December 23, St. John of Kanty

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.-- Luke 21:28

Mass readings: Malachi 3:1-4,23-24 / Luke 1:57-66

Humor, Patience, Kindness, Love

St. John (1390-1473) was born in Kanty, Poland, and became a priest and professor of theology at the University of Kracow although he greatly feared the responsibility. But, he took it as a challenge and soon won over the hearts of his students. He lived an exemplary frugal life and slept little (and that little was on the floor.)

John's famous advice to his students was, ''Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause.'' During his life he made four trips to Rome and one trip to Jerusalem hoping to be martyred by Turks. His passionate love for Christ can make us ask how passionate our own love for Christ is.

Prayer: St. John of Kanty, help me generously offer help to others.