Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Hormisdas (d.523)

Saint Hormisdas was born in Frosinone, Italy, in 450. He was married before he was ordained, and had a son, Silverius, who followed in his father's footsteps and also became a pope. Hormisdas became a deacon during a time of trouble between the Catholic Church and the antipope Lawrence and his pro-Byzantine offshoot. With some difficulty, Hormisdas became pope on July 21, 514. After rising to the papacy, Hormisdas started his vocation of peace by welcoming back into the Church the last followers of the Laurentian schism. He also worked to bring peace by ending the schism dividing the Eastern and Western Churches. The divided Church that was in Constantinople was brought back to Rome. At the time of the death of Hormisdas in 523, the Church was peaceful.

Reflection

During tumultuous times, it is often a strong temptation to punish those with whom one disagrees. Saint Hormisdas was a truly benevolent and merciful pope who had the wisdom to forgive his opponents rather than antagonize and ostracize them. His holy leadership provides an example of how we are to treat those with whom we have conflicts. As Christians, we must love them and, whenever possible, invite them to friendship. How have you handled past conflicts?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please provide me with the wisdom and judgment to respond kindly and mercifully to those who hurt me, as you have responded to me when I have hurt you.