April 8: Saint Wicterpe, Bishop

Legem pone mihi domine viam justificationum tuarum, et exquiram eam semper. ps. 118.
Oh Lord, impose on me whatever law you please, and I will submit to it.
Inter pressuras et aerumnas ad illum semper oculos erige, qui te paratus est, post flagella, dulcedinis suae gremio O consovere. S. Pet. dam. l. 8. ep. 6.
During your afflictions, as you humbly lower your gaze to submit to the Holy Will of God, lift your eyes up to Him with the joyful hope that after having been whipped, He will receive you in His bosom to console you.

Example: Nothing gives more pain to good folks than the memory of their sinfulness before being conformed to Jesus Christ. Other sinners serve as a constant reminder of their offenses, and that tears open the wounds of their heart. We read today in the life of Saint Wicterpe, Bishop, which the Church commemorates today, that after his death he frequently appeared to Saint Herlugue, Virgin, principally when she went up to receive communion. One day, believing that she was alone during prayer, Wicterpe appeared to her with Jesus Christ who was totally covered in blood. The sight just about killed Herlugue, and Wicterpe told her that this cruelty was inflicted on Christ by a priest named Richard who celebrated Mass in a state of mortal sin. Both saints harbored an extreme resentment for this discord, and could not find any consolation except in the Holy Will of God, which is just as worthy of praise when It permits sin as when It fosters virtue by Its grace.

Practice: Oh how temporary tribulations are sweet for those good souls who conform themselves to the Will of God, compassionately sharing the pain that He receives when we mortally offend Him. His law us an easy yoke for us, and the Cross of Jesus Christ is the source of all our pleasure. So resign yourself to the Will of God, oh Lover of God, and preserve yourself from mortal sin so that you may do so without worry. If you persevere in innocence then you will make all of your moments joyful.