Today we have the feast of the Seven Founders of the Servite Order – or Order of Friar Servants of Mary (O.S.M.). In the year 1233, seven well-to-do men of Florence, Italy, in response to the moral laxity of the time decided to gather in a house outside of Florence where they practiced a life of solitude, prayer and penance. Soon they were besieged with visitors and so they withdrew to the wilderness, where they built a simple church and hermitage. Visitors found them there as well. Some wanted to join them. At first they refused but under pressure from the bishop of Florence they began accepting some new members. They followed a basic rule of St. Augustine, with some Dominican influence. In time, they moderated their extremely austere lifestyle and became friars rather than monks, living in town rather than in monasteries. Sometimes it is better to mingle with those you are praying conversion for. They were canonized in 1887.
In every age in the Church God raises up men and women – outstanding in holiness, gifted in preaching and teaching and willing to go counter-cultural to the secular climate of the day! It was true in the 13th century, it is true today!
The first reading gives us the true foundation of any work done for God: it comes from the action and working of the Holy Spirit – within individuals, and within groups of individuals. And it is by the inspiration and power of this Spirit that moral laxity can be counter pressured. Those especially dear to the Lord are those who give up everything in order to be able to become instruments of truth, justice, peace and love! You don't have to belong to a religious community to give yourself entirely to the Lord and his work – you just have to be willing to be used by him!
In the current time of great moral laxity and pervasive godlessness God needs willing co-workers to bring about a new culture of life and beauty and goodness and truth and justice. You and I can help – if we simply give him a nod – if we simply give him our lives to use as he would!
What do you say?
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord – as he comes to you – fills you – energizes you and sends you on your way on his behalf!
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