Today we celebrate my patron saint - St Benedict Joseph Labre - patron of the mentally ill. Just kidding. But I'm NOT kidding about how close to God's heart are those who suffer in this life. We read about him in the book In Caelo et in Terra, and you can read more about him here.
He was the oldest of fifteen children, and was close to God's heart his entire life. He was not interested in learning anything except about God. He tried to enter religious life many times, but every time he tried his health broke down, perhaps due to mental illness or maybe scruples.
Eventually he began a VERY unusual life. He wandered around Europe, begging for his daily food. He traveled from shrine to shrine around Europe on a life-long pilgrimage. Eventually he died, having eaten very little and given away all money that was given to him.
It's hard not to feel sorry for him, especially since he probably suffered from mental illness. But the take away lesson here is how close he was (and IS) to the heart of God. Even though his life was sad and confusing when he walked the earth, he is now a saint in heaven interceding for us and seeing the face of God, whom he always loved.
God, thanks for the example of this precious soul. Give us a heart as close to You as his was. St Benedict Joseph Labre, pray for us.
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