A Humble Giant

It's almost a thousand years since this giant of the 11th century lived, (1007-1072) so the name, Peter Damian, is not part of our household vocabulary as is Francis, Anthony, Therese or more recent saints such as Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II who lived within the lifetime of many of us. Yet his life and accomplishments had a huge impact on the Church in an era where reform was much needed.
Orphaned at an early age, Peter  knew poverty and hardship, even to the point of feeding the swine of one of his brothers. Rescued from this plight by another of his brothers, he received an education, became a Benedictine monk noted for his scholarliness and asceticism. He accepted the role of Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, and worked tireless to correct abuses rampant among the clergy. After 10 years in this role, he returned to the Monastery of Fonte Avellana, though still a consultant to the pope.  His writings stress the primacy of the spiritual over the secular; after his death, he was proclaimed one of the 36 Doctors of the Church.
His life serves as an example of how God, over and over again, chooses the humble and unknown to do things they never dreamed they could do. Responding to a call which slowly evolves over a lifetime, as it did with Mary, Marcellin and other saints canonized or not, we can do "marvelous things" when we turn our talents, passion and lives over to God.  Each day God makes the call.  How do I answer?  Food for thought as Lent approaches around the corner.  (March 6th).
Bro. Rene