Homily: Jan 27 2017 - St. Angela Merici - "Endurance to do the will of God"

On the east side of our church’s front entrance there is a stained glass window of today’s glorious Saint, St. Angela Merici. Her window faces the old parish convent which housed the Ursuline Sisters who were the first teachers here at our parish school.

Many of you here today, were taught by the sisters, whose order was founded by St. Angela back in 1535. Deeply concerned for the neighborhood children, especially their lack of religious training, St. Angela, took it upon herself to give regular instruction to the young neighborhood girls.  She was soon joined by another dozen women who shared her concerns and ideals. She began her holy work in her late 50s, and at the time of her death at the age of 65 there were 24 communities of Ursulines.
Here is a woman who had a deep love for Christ and a concern for souls, who saw a pressing need, and who did something about it, which has changed the world. She didn’t just wring her hands in the face of a problem

She really was a tough woman. Legend has it that, as she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land she was suddenly struck blind. Despite this malady, she continued her pilgrimage, and was cured of her blindness while praying before the crucifix.

No doubt she exemplified the words from our reading from the letter to the Hebrews: “You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.” Endurance is needed to persevere in the type of prayer we need to sustain us in the Christian life. Endurance is needed to persevere in the tasks God has given us. Endurance is needed to remain faithful in the face of temptations. But that endurance leads to great graces, and the inheritance of life eternal.

May we, like St. Angela, be attentive to the needs of our community, especially the younger generation who are yet to be formed fully in the faith, may we trust in the Lord amidst unforeseen maladies, and persevere with endurance in the face of temptations for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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1) That all Christians may be courageous and generous in serving the Lord according to their abilities.

2) For the members of the Order of St. Ursula, through the intercession of their patron, St. Angela, may they be sustained and sanctified in their holy service. For an increase in vocations to consecrated life.

3) For all students, that the Spirit of God may grant them the gifts of wisdom and understanding.  For all teachers, that they may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and concern for their students.  And For parents, the first teachers of their children, that their faith and love may be an example to us always.  We pray to the Lord.

4) For all those who lack faith, that they may learn to seek God’s wisdom in coming to know Jesus as Lord.  We pray to the Lord.

5) For the safety of those traveling to Washington for the March for Life, for the success of their holy witness, for the safety of the unborn, an end to abortion, and the conversion of hearts to the Gospel of Life.