- Hebrews 4:16 -

- Hebrews 4:16 -

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may
receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
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The Lord delights when His children approach Him. Once we come, we can
expect divine grace and mercy to aid us in our difficulty. Specifically, God
gives us blessings and help we don't deserve (grace) while keeping us from
punishment we do deserve (mercy). Of course, His answers to our cry may not
be exactly what we expect or hope. Yet, just as a loving dad would do for
his child, our Father knows what we really need and will act in our best
interest. The Lord is trustworthy.


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May 5th - St. Judith (Jutta)

Jutta or Judith, was born at Sangerhausen, Thuringia. We don't know much
about her family and early life, but she must have been from a noble
household, because at the age of fifteen she was married to a nobleman.

She had a reputation for being a very compassionate, gentle and charitable
wife. She lived as simply as her husband allowed and raised their children
to love God with all their hearts. Initially her husband was upset about her
simplicity of dress, but gradually she was able to persuade him of the
importance of simplicity and charity and he soon followed her example.

The details are uncertain, but her husband died during a pilgrimage to the
Holy Land and Judith was left to raise their children by herself. According
to Alban Butler as her children grew up, each eventually entered religious
life. This left Judith free and she gave all her possessions for the care of
the poor and then begged in the streets for food for them.

She then journeyed on foot to Prussia where her relative, Hanno of
Sangerhausen, lived. She begged for food as she went and shared what was
given to her with beggars she met on the road. In 1256, she eventually
arrived and settled in the ruins of a building near Kulmsee where she lived
the life of a solitary or hermit.

Her reputation for holiness and deep contemplative prayer became known to
all who lived in the villages around. Traditions tell us that she was often
seen to be in an ecstasy of prayer and lifted from the ground as if by
angels. She spent the next four years in her solitude praying for the
conversion of sinners and for the perseverance of those recently baptized.
She would often leave her hermitage to care for the sick poor in the area,
especially those who suffered from leprosy.

In 1260 she developed a fever that proved to be fatal and she died on May
12, 1260. People who had prayed at her graveside, asking her intercession
for healing of various afflictions soon reported miracles. She is the
patroness of Prussia. Just reading about her life shows us the essentials of
her holiness, simplicity, humility, compassion and love.


Saint Quote:
Hence, I tearfully beg you to refrain from seeking the favors of the world
and to renounce all that is carnal. It is impossible to follow both the
world and Jesus. Let us live a life of renunciation, for our bodies will
soon be dust and nothing else will last any longer.
-- St. Jerome

Bible Quote
8 He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the
cross. 9 For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a
name which is above all names: 10 That in the name of Jesus every knee
should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth:
(Philippians 2:8-10)


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Canticle Philippians 2

Christ, God's servant

Jesus Christ, although he shared God's nature, did not try to seize equality
with God for himself; but emptied himself, took on the form of a slave, and
became like a man - not in appearance only, for he humbled himself by
accepting
death - even death on a cross.
For this, God has raised him high, and given him the name that is above
every
name,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bend, in heaven, on earth, and
under the earth,
and every tongue will proclaim "Jesus Christ is Lord", to the glory of God
the
Father.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.


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De Profundis

Out of the depths, I have cried to Thee,
O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the
voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities,
O Lord, who shall stand it?
For with Thee there is merciful
forgiveness: and by reason of Thy
law I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word;
my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until
night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy;
And with Him plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from
all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace. Amen.
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