Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Saint Peter Damian, a Benedictine monk who lived in the eleventh century and was known for his commitment to reforming the Church. Peter was born in Ravenna around 1007 and studied theology and Canon Law, first at Ravenna, at Faenza, and finally at the University of Parma. At the age of 35 years, he gave up his secular career and entered a hermitage near Gubbio. He was a highly respected member of the Benedictine Order and insisted on monastic and clerical reform and austerity.
Despite his preference to remain a hermit and an itinerant preacher, he was chosen by his former superior and consecrated Cardinal Bishop of Ostia on 30 November 1057. At first, he had been reluctant to accept the Office but once he was consecrated, he was as steadfast in fulfilling the role of leader as he had been in his life as a hermit and a preacher.
The life of Saint Peter Damien is an example of the fact that when God calls, sometimes we are reluctant to answer - like the young Jonah who was called to convert the metropolis of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-2). However, God doesn't give up until we choose to cooperate. He always knows what's best for us, even if we are not so sure ourselves, and he will work with us, gently inviting and putting us in situations where we will constantly be urged to accept his invitation ... until we do.
Is God calling you to do something wonderful? Are you resisting God's invitation? Why? History has proven over and over again that God only ever wants the best for us, and in the end, he always gets his way. Pray for the strength and the spirit of surrender to do what he tells you to do.
Have a great day.
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