A Joyful Preacher

Appropriately on this day after the Ascension, we remember St. Philip Neri who, with the love of God infused into his heart (expanding his chest cavity!) set about to re-evangelize 16th century Rome.  He faced a city filled with depression and corruption after a horrific sacking and years of spiritual neglect.  How did one man hope to "make a difference'?  He began simply by talking to people on the streets, usually joking with them with his good sense of humor, and after ordination, preaching and hearing confessions.  He was gifted with ecstasy which would occur during Mass.  People would leave after the Lamb of God was sung and return two hours later, after his ecstatic trance to receive Holy Communion.  He founded the Oratory, a congregation of men who lived the Evangelical Counsels without taking vows; St. Francis de Sales was a member. Philip's life of penance and asceticism was balanced by his notable humor, radiating his great faith and his love of God.  He is a magnificent example of how to carry out the command of Jesus at the Ascension:  "Go out to all the world and preach the Good News."  May we as best as we can do likewise
Bro. Rene