Today’s the feast of St. Peter Chrysologus, a bishop of Ravenna in Italy, who died around 450 AD. The prayer for his feast describes him as “an outstanding preacher of your Incarnate Word.” You can see why in this excerpt from one of his sermons:
“Why do you look down on yourself who are so precious to God? Why think so little of yourself when you are so honored by him? Why do you ask how you were created, and don’t want to know why you were made?
“This entire visible universe is yours to dwell in. It was for you that the light dispelled the overshadowing gloom; for you the night was regulated and the day was measured: for you the heavens were brightened with the brilliance of the sun, the moon and the stars. The earth was adorned with flowers, trees and fruit; lovely living things were created in the air, the fields, and the seas for you, lest you lose the joy of God’s creation in sad loneliness.
“And the Creator is still devising things that can add to your glory. He has made you in his image that you might make the invisible Creator present on earth; he has made you his legate, so that the vast empire of the world might have the Lord’s representative.
“Then in his mercy God assumed what he made in you; he wanted now to be truly manifest in men and women, to be revealed in them as in an image. Now he would be in reality what he was in symbol.”
The Victor's Place 
Just what I and so many others need to hear. Life is to be loved and enjoyed. Thank you
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Life begins with thanksgiving for everything.You’re right. That’s why I like this excerpt from St. Peter.
F.Victor
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OK, some dear friends were telling me that I am to consider myself the center of my universe, which goes against my belief that Christ shall be the center of the universe, and that is to include my universe, as well, albeit that mine is infinitely smaller than His. They were trying to encourage me, “You are worthwhile. You are a treasure.” I will say, that their attempted efforts were a great preparation for me to receive this teaching through you and St Peter Chrysologus of Ravenna. Heartfelt thanks!
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The idea that I was made to be our Lord’s representative here on earth is truly awesome! What a blessing! I always believed He put me in this world for a reason and St Peter just confirmed it!!!!
Thank You, my God !
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Dear Father Victor, thank you for your reflection. It brings to mind the words of another great saint, Saint Francis de Salès: “Be who you are and be that well.” And at my core, it also reminds me that the devout and holy life is for all. All praise and thanksgiving be to God.
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