Subj : June 30th - Bl. Ramon Lull To : All From : rich Date : Fri Jun 29 2018 10:07:24 From: rich June 30th - Bl. Ramon Lull (1237-1316) If biographical details about saints are usually tantalizingly skimpy and undependable, that is not the case with Blessed Ramon Lull. The story of his life comes from his own lips He shows himself very human, restless but withal a tireless pursuer of God's glory. When Ramon was born, it is important to realize that Spain was actively engaged in its centuries-long struggle to oust from the peninsula the Muslim Moors who had long since held most of the Hispanic lands in control. In fact, Ramon's father, a native of Catalonia, was apparently one of the generals who had conquered the Moors on the Spanish Isle of Majorca. Raymond married young, and had a good wife who bore him a son and daughter, but until he was around 30, he continued to have a roving eye for beautiful women. However, one night in 1263, when Lull was writing a poem for his latest lady friend, he suddenly had a vision of Christ crucified beside him. The apparition shook him, but only after it was five times repeated did he admit to himself that it was a call to a holier life. Then he made two pilgrimages. These confirmed his view that God was summoning him in particular to win the Moors to Christ. So he made arrangements for the support of his family, gave the remainder of his funds to the poor, and plunged into a decade-long study of Arabic, Muslim philosophy and religion, by way of preparation for dialogue with the Mohammedans. Becoming something of an expert, he lectured much and wrote endless treatises on Islamic subjects. He also combed Europe to find supporters from the popes on down, for his proposed apostolate, but here he had little luck. At least the Franciscans accepted him and enrolled him in their lay, or third order. All along, Lull dreamed of going to Africa to dialogue with the Moors and win them to Christ, whatever the risk. He did get to the =E2=80=9CDark Continent=E2=80=9D three times. On the firs= t visit the Muslims of Tunis, rejecting his Christian teachings, mistreated and exiled him. On the 2nd visit he was arrested by the Algerians and again deported. En-route to Italy he suffered shipwreck. On the third visit, it is said that the Algerians stoned him and left him for dead. Genoese soldiers rescued him, but he died on shipboard of his injuries. Ramon Lull has never been formally beatified, but he is honored as a =E2=80=9Cblessed=E2=80=9D martyr by the Franciscans. This lay apologist for the Faith wrote a vast amount: 313 treatises are attributed to him. As one engaged in theological discussion, he put out a good deal in the vernacular =E2=80=93 Arabic and Catalan. He developed a unique =E2=80=9Cgeometric=E2=80=9D approach called =E2=80=9CThe= Art,=E2=80=9D to communicate the truths of Christianity. He also wrote theological books in the form of romances or novels to make his doctrine more appealing. Some declared that errors had slipped into his apologetic discourses, but since not all that bears his name was written by him, one cannot say whether the erroneous expressions are his or an imitator's. Nowadays Lull's teachings have become the objec= t of greater interest. Blessed Ramon was also something of a mystic, influenced by both Franciscan and Muslim spirituality. His most striking work was the poetic =E2=80=9CThe Book of the Lover and the Beloved,=E2=80=9D a colloquy = between God and his beloved human friend. Here is one of its questions and answers: =E2=80=9CSay, Fool (says the Lord), wherefore is thy love so great? =E2=80=9CHe (the Fool) answered: =E2=80=98Because far and perilous is the j= ourney I must make seeking my Beloved; I must seek Him in the fullness of faith and must journey with all speed. Naught of these can be fulfilled if I have not great love.=E2=80=9D That describes well the hectic but earnest search by Bl. Ramon Lull for God and the souls of the Moors. A brilliant lay evangelist, he won the title from his compeers of =E2=80=9CDoctor Illuminatus=E2=80=9D: =E2=80= =9CEnlightened teacher.=E2=80=9D Saint Quote: By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen. --taken from the Chaplet of St. Michael Bible Quote: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8 <><><><> PRAYER =E2=80=93 God our Father, You open the gates of the kingdom of heave= n to those who are born again of water and the Holy Spirit. Increase the grace You have given, so that the people who have been purified from all sin, may not forfeit the promised blessing of Your love. Grant that the Holy Spirit may ever guide and bear us in His inspiration. We make our pray through Christ, our Lord, in union with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen Angels--Their Jealousy Over Their Charge The Holy Angels are very jealous over anything that in any way affects the honor of Almighty God. As they love men only for God, so their only care is to maintain His honor and promote His glory. Those who are His enemies are their enemies also. They are the ministers of His vengeance as well as of His love. How terrible a thing it would be to think that we had the Angels as our enemies! The Holy Angels are also very jealous over the interests of their clients. Any one who gives scandal to those committed to their charge incurs their anger. When we set a bad example to others, or rouse them to anger, or tempt them to sin, how little we think there is one by their side whose swift vengeance will fall on us, because we sought to lead into sin the client committed to his charge. The Holy Angels are especially jealous over the innocence of the young. Woe be to those who teach them evil or do not respect them as they ought! Woe be to those who through their culpable neglect or carelessness allow children committed to them to mix with bad companions or to run into peril of sin. "Beware," says Our Lord, "of giving scandal to one of those little ones; for their Angels always behold the face of My Father who is in Heaven." He will hear their cry for vengeance on those who harm their little clients. --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .