There is an old Cherokee tale about a grandfather telling his grandson about the battle that takes place within each of us.
“My dear one,” said the grandfather” there is a battle
within each of us between two wolves: The first wolf is evil. It is anger,
envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment,
inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.
The other wolf is good. It is: joy, peace, love, hope,
serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth,
compassion and faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a moment and then asked
his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee replied, “It depends on the one you feed.”
This simple but powerful story beautifully illustrates the
struggle between good and evil inclinations within the human heart—something
that the Church’s saints knew all too well. St. Peter Damian, whose feast we
celebrate, spent his life recognizing the reality of these “two wolves” at war
within him. Even as a brilliant thinker, writer, and monk, he acknowledged his
own capacity for what he called “evil passions.” Rather than letting the “evil
wolf” grow stronger through selfish desires, he chose the path of mortification
and disciplined prayer, seeking to “feed” virtues like humility, obedience, and
compassion.
In art, he is often depicted with a leather strap or whip to
symbolize his desire of restraining the evil wolf---restraining and purifying
his desires, so that the “good wolf”—love of God, fidelity, and charity—might
flourish.
For us, the example is clear: we all face a daily choice of
which “wolf” to feed. Will we indulge anger, greed, and pride? Or will we
practice prayer, generosity, and kindness? St. Peter Damian’s life reminds us
that true holiness is not an accident; it requires active cooperation with
God’s grace and a decisive effort to nurture virtue over vice. Through prayer,
study, asceticism, and works of mercy, we starve those destructive tendencies
and allow the “good wolf” to thrive, leading us closer to Christ and deeper
into the fullness of His love for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
As we celebrate the feast of St. Peter Damian—bishop, monk,
reformer, and Doctor of the Church—we turn to God in humble prayer, asking for
the grace to follow his example of holiness and service.
For the Church: That, inspired by the lives and writings of
the saints, all members of the Church may grow in holiness and strive for ever
greater fidelity to the Gospel.
For religious communities and monastic orders: That they may
continue to be beacons of prayer, self-discipline, and service, modeling for
all believers a life consecrated to God.
For all who suffer from insomnia or other ailments that
disrupt rest and peace: Through the intercession of St. Peter Damian, may they
receive the grace of healing, trust in God’s presence, and relief from their
burdens.
For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and
consecrated life: That those called to serve may respond generously, offering
their lives for the mission of Christ.
For the sick, the lonely, and those in need: that they
may be open to the healing and strength that comes from a relationship of deep
faith in God. And we pray in a special way for our Holy Father, Pope Francis,
in this time of serious illness.
For our deceased loved ones: That they may behold the
Lord fully in the eternal light of heaven, seeing Him face to face and
rejoicing in His presence.
Almighty God, you raised up St. Peter Damian as a model of
holiness. Hear our prayers, and grant us the grace to follow his example of
prayer, penance, and zealous love for your people.
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