Today in the book In Caelo et in Terra, we read about a girl named Germaine. She was born in France in 1579, and was disfigured and lame. She was terribly mistreated by her family, forced to live under the stairs and eat leftovers. She found solace in her sheep, which she herded and cared for. Little children would talk to her, and liked her, since she was simple and obviously loved God. She spent hours praying while watching her sheep, entrusting them to His care. She died when she was only 22, and many miracles were a result of her intercession. You can read more about her here.
St Germaine is a great example of what Jesus meant when He said the last will be first and the first, last. When people are beautiful or rich (or both), we treat them differently. And it's very likely they'll become spoiled and not act humbly or kindly to other people. However, when people are poor or ugly (or both), people treat them badly, and their only recourse is often in prayer. So the poor and ugly receive spiritual rewards in the next life because they learn to trust only in Him, while the rich and beautiful are rewarded very little in the next life because they waste this life in vain and silly pursuits. The good news is that even the rich and beautiful can CHOOSE to be humble and kind if they realize that their eternal destination and reward depend on how they act in this life.
God, thanks for the example of this poor girl who showed us how to trust in You despite our shortcomings. St Germaine Cousin, pray for us.
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