Saint Bridget was born in Sweden in 1303. She married and gave birth to eight children to whom she was a devoted mother. After her husband's death she continued to live in the world but took upon herself the asceticism of the Third Order of St. Francis. But then she was called to found her own order of nuns: The Order of the Most Holy Savior: who worked with the poor and the sick.
As part of her rule of life in her convents she encouraged the nuns to have as many books for studying spiritual things as they wanted. Her convents soon became centers of learning.
Bridget also wrote many works of her own describing the mystical experiences that she herself had. She died in Rom in 1373. Pope John Paul II declared her co-patron of all of Europe in 1999, along with St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross.
The first reading today tells of the life to which Bridget and all of us are called to: a life so intimately involved with Jesus that there is only one life being lived: his, through us! When God the Father looks down and sees us in complete UNITY with his Son – then all is well – and we are one with him too as well as with one another! And he is very pleased.
The gospel passage encourages us to be fruitful branches on the vine that is Christ! REMAIN CONNECTED TO THE VINE! REMAIN ONE WITH THE VINE! YOU CANNOT BEAR FRUIT AWAY FROM THE VINE! Glorify the Father by performing works of charity and loving service to one another and to all in the world – because of your FIRM and CONSTANT ATTACHMENT TO CHRIST JESUS!
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord; and let it nourish us, strengthen us and make us secure in this life – as we look to the everlasting life of communion in heaven!
Amen!
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