+ Today we celebrate the feast of Brigitta, a model Christian woman of fourteenth century Sweden. Brigitta was born in Sweden in 1303. She married and gave birth to eight children, for whom she was a devoted mother. After her husband's death she continued to live in the world but devoted herself to the ascetic life as a member of the Third order of Saint Francis. She then founded a religious order and journeying to Rome for the sake of penance, became a model of great virtue to all. She also wrote many works in which she related her mystical experiences. Saint Bridget died at Rome in 1373.
St. Bridget lived deeply the message of the first reading today: the fact that the baptized Christian has been crucified and left dead, as was Jesus on the cross: and now a whole new life of resurrection is experienced through the power of Christ's resurrection rushing through their (our) minds, our hearts and our limbs. And all of this now works and operates on the level of faith in the Son of God. Therefore, each day we must all, after Bridget's example: pray for quantitatvely more, interiorly deeper and spiritually more penetrating: FAITH IN THE SON OF GOD: JESUS: LORD, GOD, SAVIOR, BROTHER, FRIEND! This will help us identify ourselves not only with Christ crucified, but also with the branches on the vine that is Jesus of the Gospel passage. With his life running deeply through us – we will remain in him and he in us – if our faith is strong and our works are visible and effective in spreading his peace and his healing and his friendship wherever we go!
In St. Bridget's own words: "Rejoicing and eternal praise be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ, who sent the Holy Spirit into the hearts of your disciples and increased the boundless love of God in their spirits."
Remain in my love, says the Lord; whoever remains in me and I in his will bear much fruit.
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