Saint Peter Chrysologus (d.450)
for July 30
Born during the early fifth century, Saint Peter Chrysologus was appointed Bishop of Ravenna, a diocese located in northern Italy. As a young priest, Saint Peter Chrysologus quickly noticed that many of his parishioners unwittingly adhered to remnants of their old pagan religions. In order to effectively instruct his flock in the truths of Christianity, Saint Peter Chrysologus mastered the art of the homily. His homilies were simple, short, unadorned, direct and lacked any frivolity or pomp. They were full of powerful moral and religious truths. He successfully taught his flock and encouraged them to learn more about their religion. For his leadership and teachings, Saint Peter Chrysologus, a counselor to Pope Leo I, was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII.
Read more about Saint Peter Chrysologus (d.450)
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Reflection
Saint Peter Chrysologus was a fierce advocate for living a compassionate and moral life. He was, above all, loyal to the Church and its teachings. Think about all of the areas in your life where you are lacking compassion for others. Think about the ways in which you have mistreated others and the ways in which you willfully disregard the moral teachings of the Church. How can you more fully love and act compassionately to those in your life?
Prayer
Ask God to show you the ways that you are living immorally and failing to love others. Ask him for the strength and virtue to more consistently and successfully live virtuously and compassionately.
