I have used this space during the Advent season to review the life of saints whose feast days are celebrated around this time period. It has given us the opportunity to explore these saints for traits that may help us prepare for the birth of Jesus. We first read about St. Andrew and his invitation to bring others to Jesus. Next St. Juan Diego taught us to help build up the Church established by Jesus and that our role is never too small or unimportant. Last week St. Stephen reminded us of the harsh realities of the world. Our role in the Church may not always be one that is easy. It may not be the journey we wish to take but it may be the one we are called to take.
Our final Saint to review is St. John Kanty who died in 1473. His feast day is December 23. Many of us have probably not celebrated or even heard of St. Kanty. Preparations for our very soon Christmas celebrations may have distracted us from John Kanty but I do not believe he would be upset. John was a very humble person who won over people by his sincerity and kindness.
John Karnty was a brilliant student at university of Kraków, Poland. He was ordained a priest and became a professor of theology. John was very popular with the students at the university which caused some to become envious of him. This resentment led to his being ousted by rivals and sent to be a parish priest at Olkusz. John Karnty was afraid of the responsibilities of a parish and this caused his parishioners not like him at first. He did win his parishioner’s hearts as they saw his genuine love and concern for them. John returned to Kraków after eight years and taught Scripture for the remainder of his life.
John was a serious man and yet humble. He was known to all the poor of Kraków for his kindness. He gave all his money to the poor except what was needed to support himself. John taught his students this philosophy; "Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause."
As Advent comes to a close recall the Saints we have reviewed. Know that everything you do is important to God and must be done with kindness and sincerity, no matter what the cost. Invite people not only into your lives but also into a new way of life. May this Christmas Season find you with a joyful heart, happiness in spirit and blessings for everyone you meet.
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