From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
June 30th - Bl. Ramon Lull
(1237-1316)
If biographical details about saints are usually tantalizingly skimpy
and undependable, that is not the case with Blessed Ramon Lull. The
story of his life comes from his own lips He shows himself very human,
restless but withal a tireless pursuer of God's glory.
When Ramon was born, it is important to realize that Spain was
actively engaged in its centuries-long struggle to oust from the
peninsula the Muslim Moors who had long since held most of the
Hispanic lands in control. In fact, Ramon's father, a native of
Catalonia, was apparently one of the generals who had conquered the
Moors on the Spanish Isle of Majorca. Raymond married young, and had a
good wife who bore him a son and daughter, but until he was around 30,
he continued to have a roving eye for beautiful women.
However, one night in 1263, when Lull was writing a poem for his
latest lady friend, he suddenly had a vision of Christ crucified
beside him. The apparition shook him, but only after it was five times
repeated did he admit to himself that it was a call to a holier life.
Then he made two pilgrimages. These confirmed his view that God was
summoning him in particular to win the Moors to Christ. So he made
arrangements for the support of his family, gave the remainder of his
funds to the poor, and plunged into a decade-long study of Arabic,
Muslim philosophy and religion, by way of preparation for dialogue
with the Mohammedans. Becoming something of an expert, he lectured
much and wrote endless treatises on Islamic subjects. He also combed
Europe to find supporters from the popes on down, for his proposed
apostolate, but here he had little luck.
At least the Franciscans accepted him and enrolled him in their lay,
or third order. All along, Lull dreamed of going to Africa to dialogue
with the Moors and win them to Christ, whatever the risk.
He did get to the =E2=80=9CDark Continent=E2=80=9D three times. On the firs=
t visit the
Muslims of Tunis, rejecting his Christian teachings, mistreated and
exiled him. On the 2nd visit he was arrested by the Algerians and
again deported. En-route to Italy he suffered shipwreck. On the third
visit, it is said that the Algerians stoned him and left him for dead.
Genoese soldiers rescued him, but he died on shipboard of his
injuries. Ramon Lull has never been formally beatified, but he is
honored as a =E2=80=9Cblessed=E2=80=9D martyr by the Franciscans.
This lay apologist for the Faith wrote a vast amount: 313 treatises
are attributed to him. As one engaged in theological discussion, he
put out a good deal in the vernacular =E2=80=93 Arabic and Catalan. He developed a unique =E2=80=9Cgeometric=E2=80=9D approach called =E2=80=9CThe=
Art,=E2=80=9D to
communicate the truths of Christianity. He also wrote theological
books in the form of romances or novels to make his doctrine more
appealing. Some declared that errors had slipped into his apologetic discourses, but since not all that bears his name was written by him,
one cannot say whether the erroneous expressions are his or an
imitator's. Nowadays Lull's teachings have become the objec=
t of
greater interest.
Blessed Ramon was also something of a mystic, influenced by both
Franciscan and Muslim spirituality. His most striking work was the
poetic =E2=80=9CThe Book of the Lover and the Beloved,=E2=80=9D a colloquy = between God
and his beloved human friend. Here is one of its questions and
answers:
=E2=80=9CSay, Fool (says the Lord), wherefore is thy love so great?
=E2=80=9CHe (the Fool) answered: =E2=80=98Because far and perilous is the j= ourney I
must make seeking my Beloved; I must seek Him in the fullness of faith
and must journey with all speed. Naught of these can be fulfilled if I
have not great love.=E2=80=9D
That describes well the hectic but earnest search by Bl. Ramon Lull
for God and the souls of the Moors. A brilliant lay evangelist, he won
the title from his compeers of =E2=80=9CDoctor Illuminatus=E2=80=9D: =E2=80= =9CEnlightened
teacher.=E2=80=9D
Saint Quote:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of
Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good
works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen.
--taken from the Chaplet of St. Michael
Bible Quote:
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It
will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8
<><><><>
PRAYER =E2=80=93 God our Father, You open the gates of the kingdom of heave=
n
to those who are born again of water and the Holy Spirit. Increase the
grace You have given, so that the people who have been purified from
all sin, may not forfeit the promised blessing of Your love. Grant
that the Holy Spirit may ever guide and bear us in His inspiration. We
make our pray through Christ, our Lord, in union with You and the Holy
Spirit, one God forever, amen
Angels--Their Jealousy Over Their Charge
The Holy Angels are very jealous over anything that in any way affects
the honor of Almighty God. As they love men only for God, so their
only care is to maintain His honor and promote His glory. Those who
are His enemies are their enemies also. They are the ministers of His
vengeance as well as of His love. How terrible a thing it would be to
think that we had the Angels as our enemies!
The Holy Angels are also very jealous over the interests of their
clients. Any one who gives scandal to those committed to their charge
incurs their anger. When we set a bad example to others, or rouse them
to anger, or tempt them to sin, how little we think there is one by
their side whose swift vengeance will fall on us, because we sought to
lead into sin the client committed to his charge.
The Holy Angels are especially jealous over the innocence of the
young. Woe be to those who teach them evil or do not respect them as
they ought! Woe be to those who through their culpable neglect or
carelessness allow children committed to them to mix with bad
companions or to run into peril of sin. "Beware," says Our Lord, "of
giving scandal to one of those little ones; for their Angels always
behold the face of My Father who is in Heaven." He will hear their cry
for vengeance on those who harm their little clients.
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)