How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he had done for me?— Psalm 116:12

Mass readings: Acts 9:31-42 / John 6:60-69 

The Simple Saint 

Peter Chanel was born in 1803 in France. He was a simple shepherd boy but the local priest saw a special spark in him and persuaded his parents to let him be educated. While at the seminary he made an impression. It was said of him: “He had a heart of gold with the simple faith of a child. He led the life of an angel.” He eventually became a missionary on the island of Futuna near New Zealand. After he baptized the chief’s son, the chief was enraged. He sent warriors to kill him but his death led to the conversion of the island. 

The feast of St. Peter Chanel can remind us that a simple faith and a pure heart are saintly. We’re called to that holiness. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me keep my life simple, to simply love You more.