Blog Archives

Allay Troubled Hearts With Faith in God

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. (John 14:1)

On This Date…

Ioannes Paulus II.

Ioannes Paulus II.

On May 18, 1920, Karol Józef Wojtyla, now Saint John Paul II, was born in Poland. Birthdays are a special occasion. After John Paul II was elected pope in 1978, he often invited cardinals in Rome who were over the age of 80, and thus unable to vote in a papal election, to join him for lunch on his birthday. He wanted to get their thoughts on the needs of the church, and also to show his appreciation for their wisdom and insights.

In his first homily as pope, Saint John Paul II said:

Be not afraid! Open the doors to Christ.

Non abbiate paura! Aprite, anzi, spalancate le porte a Cristo!

That is the same message Jesus offers in today’s Gospel from John: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me,” – a great birthday greeting.

– Father McLaughlin

Like A Good Shepherd, Saint Ludolph Was There

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

Do not let your hearts be troubled. (John 14:1)

On April 26, Norbertines celebrate the Feast of Saint Ludolph, a Norbertine bishop who lived in Germany during the 13th century. He was elected bishop of Ratzeburg, Germany in 1236.
saint ludolph
According to one source, “like a good shepherd, Bishop Ludolph focused all his energies on the care of souls.” He tried to defend the properties of the cathedral when the local prince, Albert, the “bear of Saxony,” took possession of the lands.

As a result of Ludolph’s efforts, Albert imprisoned him – an unpopular move. When Albert finally released Ludolph, the bishop was near death. He was taken to a Franciscan friary where he died on March 29, 1250.

Ludolph’s veneration by Norbertines was approved by Pope Benedict XIII in 1728. His remains now rest in the Norbertine Abbey of Hamborn in Germany.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

On this Career Day for Archmere’s Class of 2014, perhaps some will consider walking in the footsteps of Bishop Ludolph – becoming good shepherds who care for souls with untroubled hearts.

– Father McLaughlin