What a Great Favour

“What a great favour God does to those he places in the company of good people.” St. Teresa of Avila

Gossip flies around many places. The water cooler at work, university residences, circles of friends and families and anywhere people might not seem to have enough to do except be busybodies in other people’s affairs. I remember one time in university; someone told me that discretion is the better part of valour. The meaning did not dawn on me immediately. As time passed and I left university to work, the phrase seemed to stick with me. Recently, it seemed to me that relationships are not always so easy. Family, friends, colleagues and anyone else would appear to be a lot of work. Recently, at mass, we celebrated the feast of the Presentation and then the feast of St. Blaise. I thought of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and that there are only 14. Maybe there should be more. Heaven is full of people ready to help us. My question is how much we are ready to help others around us who need it. 

“Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will of another person with a view to that person’s good.” St. John Paul II

St. Barbara became a Christian. Her father was away and upon his return, he was furious. He beheaded her himself and as a punishment, he was struck by lightning. There are many legends surrounding her life, but we can rest assured that she is clearly a helper. St. Blaise is interesting in February when everyone gets sick. His death was also tragic when metal cool combs were used to tear his flesh. I remember as a child that everyone would rush to get their throat blessed. These blessings are not magical. As faithful as the people are participating in this event. We need to be wary to not reduce the beauty in the Church to some sort of craft. Another helper that struck me was St. Erasmus or Elmo. His intestines were pulled out. The electric phenomenon that precedes a storm at sea is called St. Elmo’s fire, but he is invoked for stomach ailments.  

“A tree is known by its fruit, a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” St Basil

Interestingly, since the pandemic, I have noticed how much friendships have changed. We ghost each other, we forget other people’s needs and we have become selfish. Even the discretion that we might yearn for ourselves has become non-existent in the life of others. Social media might play a part in this since everything is on display but at the same time, we do not seem to care what others might know. I see people walk down the street with their facetime and video chats. I do not need to know a private conversation .The Holy Helpers struck me during the mass on the feast of St. Blaise. I did some research. Many stories might surround them, but it does not mean that they did not exist. We cannot reduce our faith to folklore. It is not. The Church has a rich history and I see and hear it during the discussions and questions at the RCIA where I help. I am wondering  why friendships have become so complicated. I am wondering why we no longer want to get involved in anything or with anyone. I needed to organize a group to volunteer this week. I sent out messages and the number I needed responded within hours. There are good people in the world and if we cannot find anyone, then maybe we should take up the responsibility and be one. 

“Eating and drinking don’t make friendships – such friendships even robbers and murderers have. But if we are friends, if we truly care for one another, let us help one another spiritually. . .” St. John Chrysostom