(Optional) Memorial of Saint Raymond of Peñafort, priest
(I John
5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16)
Today’s
rather obscure first reading gives three reasons for belief in Jesus as the Son
of God. It cites “water” as a
witness. Water refers to Jesus’
accomplishments as a man. He preached
brilliantly and worked wonders.
Secondly, Jesus’ blood provides exquisite testimony of his
divinity. Although innocent of crime, he
suffered an excruciating death in obedience to the Father’s will. Among other places, that will is indicated in
the Servant Songs of Isaiah. The Spirit
also testifies to Jesus’ Sonship. It has
moved countless people through two millennia to make sacrifices, including
their lives, testifying to Jesus’ divinity.
The gospel
offers an example of Jesus’ humanity testifying to his glory. He demonstrates the compassion and power of
God as he heals a leper. The man might
have spent the rest of his life away from family and civilization had not Jesus
shown him mercy.
St. Raymond
of Peñafort, today’s patron, exemplifies the Spirit giving testimony. Raymond applied his brilliance to the service
of the Church. His preaching led to a
Crusade that freed Spain from Muslim rule.
As a canon lawyer, he compiled papal documents into a working code of
law. Raymond also was elected Master of
the Dominican Order and served for a short time as an archbishop.
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