Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663)
for September 18
Saint Joseph of Cupertino showed a love of prayer from a young age. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1628. Joseph is most well-known for his gift of levitating during prayer. Saint Joseph's gift of levitation led him to be humble, tolerant, and obedient. There were also times when he felt persuaded by temptation and abandoned by God. Joseph fasted and adorned himself with chains for the majority of his life. Because he drew so much attention, he was transferred by the friars of his order several times. He was investigated by the Inquisition, but was acquitted by the examiners. Saint Joseph of Cupertino was canonized in 1767.
Read more about Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663)
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Reflection
Because of his ability to levitate during prayer, a feat of which Saint Joseph was often ashamed, he was frequently treated poorly by his fellow clergy. For periods of time, he was even exiled from his community. Although it is undoubtedly impressive that St. Joseph levitated while he prayed, that which made him a saint was not his levitation abilities, but his profound humility and willingness to maintain his faith and obedience even in the face of intense persecution. He continued to love and obey his fellow clergy and his superiors despite their poor treatment of him. Are there times in your life when it would feel better to be mean to those who hurt you than to treat them with care?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, please help me to be nice and caring, even to those who cause me pain.
