Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in Canada and the United States, we are blessed to be attending Holy Mass today wherein we will have the opportunity to remember Saint André Bessette, and we are invited to reflect on his life which was characterized by deep faith, unwavering love for God, and a profound commitment to serving others.
Born on August 9, 1845, in a small village in Quebec, Canada, André was the eighth of twelve children in a family rife with hardship. His early life was marked by loss; his father died when he was just a child, and his mother passed away soon after, leaving him an orphan at the age of 12. In his youth, André was frail and often ill, yet his spirit remained resilient.
André joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross, a religious order founded by Blessed Basile Moreau. He was assigned to be the porter at Notre Dame College in Montreal. In this humble role, he became a beacon of light and hope to many. Though he had no formal education and was considered unsophisticated, God’s grace worked wonders through him. André was known for his simplicity and his profound devotion to Saint Joseph. He encouraged everyone to turn to Saint Joseph in their troubles, praying for their health and needs. Inspired by the Gospel message, he dedicated his life to serving those who were suffering and in need.
Today’s readings beautifully align with the example set by Saint André. In the First Letter of John, we hear, “Beloved: We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” Saint André, through his fervent prayers and actions, made an utmost effort to keep God’s commandments. He was a man who believed in the power of prayer, demonstrating that through unwavering faith and love, even the most humble among us can fulfill God’s commandment to love one another. André’s life illustrates that holiness is not confined to great deeds but can flourish in the ordinary tasks of life.
Moreover, we find in the Gospel of Matthew that Jesus began His public ministry by proclaiming: “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Saint André lived out this call to repentance and transformation. He witnessed the struggles and sorrows of the people around him and made it his mission to alleviate their suffering. Through his intercession, countless people experienced physical and spiritual healing, serving as a testament to the profound ways God’s light can shine through those who are simple and humble and as Saint John noted in our reading, those who actually observe God’s commandments.
As we ponder what it means to “test the spirits to see whether they belong to God,” we are reminded of our own challenges in discerning what moves us and where things like our anger or sadness come from. André taught this fundamental truth; he relied not on human wisdom but on the Spirit of God, recognizing that only Christ is the true Light which can shine a light on the darker aspects which animate us. The saint embraced those who sought his counsel, leading them gently towards deeper faith and reliance on God.
In our daily lives, let this be our task as well and let us take inspiration from Saint André Bessette’s devotion to prayer, humility, and service. Like him, we are called to recognize the presence of God around us and to be instruments of His peace and healing. May we develop a personal relationship with Saint Joseph, acknowledging his role as our spiritual father, and inviting his intercession in our lives.
In closing, I encourage each of you to embrace the spirit of Saint André. Let us live with a heart open to God's call,
listening to His voice, serving those in need, and keeping the commandments rooted in love. Through our faith and actions, may we draw others closer to Christ, as he tirelessly did in his life. Amen.
Add comment
Comments