Saints-E

Saints whose name begins with the letter E

“Never do to another what you would hate to have done to you by another” (Tob. 4,16). This admonition of the elder Tobias to his son arises from the knowledge that divine retribution frequently permits the same evil to befall us that we have occasioned to others. Remember how carefully divine providence watches over us. Think of it when you are tempted to do an injustice to another.

Divine retribution is signally carried out not only for actions against brotherly love, but unkind words and even thoughts are frequently punished in this manner. How often does it happen that a person deals sharply and unkindly with others, or severely censures another for some small fault without being authorized to do so, and then shortly falls into the same fault by the permission of God! Have you not yourself experience the like? Hence the Apostle admonishes us: “And if a man be overtaken in any fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6,1)

Consider that God’s retribution for all sins will be exactly in accordance with the offenses committed. In what things a man has most sinned,” says Thomas a Kempis of the pains of hell, “in those things shall he be most grievously punished. There the slothful will be pricked with burning goads, the gluttonous tormented with extreme hunger and thirst; there the luxurious and the lovers of pleasure will have burning pitch and fetid sulpher rained upon them; and the envious, like rabid dogs, will howl for grief. There one hour of punishment will be more grievous than a hundred years of the most bitter penance here.” – Is it not better and easier, then, to overcome our inordinate desires here on earth, and to do penance for the sins were have committed?

Graciously hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayers of Thy people, that we who are justly afflicted for our sins, may for the glory of Thy name be mercifully delivered. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Marion A. Habig, OFM

The lives of the saints!

Blessed Elizabeth Amodei
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
Saint Elzear of Sabran
Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions
Saint Euplius
Blessed Eustochium

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