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This week we look at the evidence of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the Lent Madness saints as they demonstrate the fruits of Peace and Patience. To read the Lent Madness biographies of the saints just click on the link following their synopsis.
PEACE – Peace in the context of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is much deeper than the dictionary definition which speaks of freedom from disturbance; tranquility. While we would prefer a life free of conflict and turmoil, we know that is not going to happen. Instead, we should pray for the gift of peace from the Holy Spirit, which provides us the inner peace of mind and contentment even in less than peaceful situations, knowing that everything is in the hands of God.
Theodora the Empress – She married the emperor Justinian around the year 525 and was crowned empress as his equal. Theodora kept peace among the factions of Christianity during the turmoil surrounding the debate whether Christ had only one nature and was fully divine.
https://www.lentmadness.org/2021/02/theodora-of-alexandria-vs-theodora-the-empress/
Euphrosyne – She was adopted into a wealthy family. When promised in marriage she ran away to a monastery and posed as a male monk! People traveled to the monastery to learn from him (her) how to pray and center their lives solely on God.
https://www.lentmadness.org/2021/03/evagrius-the-solitary-vs-euphrosyne/
Leo the Great – Named Pope in the mid-5th century, Leo worked to assert the authority of the Roman pontiff as the successor of Peter, asserted a strong hand over recalcitrant bishops and worked to overcome multiple heresies of the period. He was known for his gifts of peacemaking, resolving disputes among generals of the army, resolving heretical disputes in the Church, and personally negotiating with the Huns and Vandals to minimize the destruction of Rome.
https://www.lentmadness.org/2021/02/albert-the-great-vs-leo-the-great/
Patience—How many times have we prayed, “Lord, give me patience!”, especially with family, friends and strangers? (I guess that covers just about everyone!). The working of the Holy Spirit enables us to understand our own imperfect state, to recognize how God has given us unconditional love and mercy, and how we should give the same to others. The fruit of patience makes us more able to endure the imperfections of people and this world, especially with those persons who may not be easy to get along with. At the same time, perhaps we should pray that the Holy Spirit also gives the gift of patience to others to enable them to get along with us. There are definitely two sides to that coin!
Catherine of Genoa – She wanted to join a convent but instead entered a marriage of political convenience; endured a difficult marriage; ultimately lived and worked among the sick of Genoa. Catherine's marriage was a train wreck, and her husband was a louse. She was forced to endure his financial irresponsibility and infidelity until later in their marriage when he had a conversion of heart.
(Link not available until March 10th. HOWEVER.....if you downloaded the Saintly Scorecard or got the hard copy, then you're ahead of the curve and can read about Chaerine and why she was endowed and blessed with patience.)
Simeon the Holy Fool—Simeon was a sixth century monk in Syria near the Dead Sea. Through prayer he was called by God to serve others in ways that he would not be thanked. Initially considered a madman, his reputation changed as others saw his actions of feeding the poor, tending the sick, and admonishing the sinner and calling them to penance.
https://www.lentmadness.org/2021/03/isidora-the-simple-vs-simeon-the-holy-fool/
