Readings
I - Gen. 11: 1-9
II - Mk. 8:34-9:1
FOLLOW ME...
Jesus had given three conditions to whoever wishes to come after him: one, deny oneself, two, take up his crosses and finally to follow him. These conditions are basic requisites of the discipleship. They are challenging because the pomp of the world allures, glory of the earth entraps into vanity and the pride of self prevents from following Jesus. Jesus also says in today’s Gospel passage, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” These words have topsy turvied the lives of many saints.
Today the Church celebrate the feat of the seven holy founders of the Order of Servites. These seven men were from Florence, Italy. They lived as hermits on Monte Senario, Italy. They had great devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. In the year 1240, these hermits had the vision of Mother Mary, dressed in black habit and an angel besides her with a scroll reading “Servants of Mary.” The Blessed Virgin spoke to them, “You will found a new order, and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine. And here is your distinctive sign: the black scapular, in memory of my sufferings.” The seven founded the Order of the Servites that obtained the approval of the Holy See in the year 1304. All the seven were beautified by Pope Clement XI on December 1, 1717 and were canonised in the year 1887 by Pope Leo XIII. Let the lives of these hermits and all those who have committed to follow the Lord inspire us to adhere to the words of Jesus in the Gospel passage of the day as our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give me the courage to follow you with all my heart.”
