Saint Ansgar, Kindness Pleases God, and Dare to Speak Out
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Saint of the Day for February 1: Saint Ansgar (801 – February 3, 865)
The “apostle of the north” (Scandinavia) had enough frustrations to become a saint—and he did. He became a Benedictine at Corbie, France, where he had been educated. Three years later, when the king of Denmark became a convert, Ansgar went to that country for three years of missionary work, without noticeable success. Sweden asked for Christian missionaries, and he went there, suffering capture by pirates and other hardships on the way. Fewer than two years later, he was recalled, to become abbot of New Corbie (Corvey) and bishop of Hamburg. The pope made him legate for the Scandinavian missions. Funds for the northern apostolate stopped with Emperor Louis’s death. After 13 years’ work in Hamburg, Ansgar saw it burned to the ground by invading Northmen; Sweden and Denmark returned to paganism.
He directed new apostolic activities in the North, traveling to Denmark and being instrumental in the conversion of another king. By the strange device of casting lots, the king of Sweden allowed the Christian missionaries to return.
Ansgar’s biographers remark that he was an extraordinary preacher, a humble and ascetical priest. He was devoted to the poor and the sick, imitating the Lord in washing their feet and waiting on them at table. He died peacefully at Bremen, Germany, without achieving his wish to be a martyr.
Sweden became pagan again after his death, and remained so until the coming of missionaries two centuries later. Saint Ansgar shares the celebration of his liturgical feast with Saint Blase on February 3.
Reflection History records what people do, rather than what they are. Yet the courage and perseverance of men and women like Ansgar can only come from a solid base of union with the original courageous and persevering Missionary. Ansgar’s life is another reminder that God writes straight with crooked lines. Christ takes care of the effects of the apostolate in his own way; he is first concerned about the purity of the apostles themselves.
Saint Ansgar is the patron saint of: Denmark |
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Kindness Pleases God “Let all that you do be done in love.” —1 Corinthians 16:14
God sees every act of love as great. Today do a small act of love for someone. Open a door for someone, or just say “please” or “thank you.” Believe that however small it seems, it is great in the eyes of God. Most of us are not called to do great deeds, but we can all do small things done with great love. Few of us are in a position to help hundreds of others—here or abroad—but we can reach out and help that one friend or neighbor or relative or stranger or child. As Mother Teresa often said, “If you cannot feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” —from the book Three Minutes with God: Reflections to Inspire, Encourage, and Motivate by Monsignor Frank Bognanno |
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Dare to Speak Out Reflect When children are little we tell them to use their words to express their feelings. We do that because it’s important to speak up and be heard. Sometimes, those childhood lessons are ones that can ring true even as we grow older.
Pray Lord, help us find the courage to speak up when we feel it is needed.
Inspire us to use our words to lift others up or to counter injustices we see.
Remind us that words matter and have the power to change minds and hearts.
Act Speak up when you feel strongly about something. Don’t stay silent. Use your words.
Today's Pause+Pray was written by Susan Hines-Brigger. Learn more here! |
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