July 12: Saint John Gualbert
The world teaches us to get even with those who do wrong to us or our families. Saint John had the perfect opportunity to get even with his brother's murderer, and this was the custom in his area at the time. In fact, the world required him to take vengeance, but should we commit a mortal sin just because the world tells us? The murderer believing that his number was up, jumped off of his horse, bent his head and placed his arms in a cross and commended his soul to God. This moved Saint John, although he had not been pious before this. John forgave this man, as Jesus advised in the Gospels, and went on his way.
Saint John then proceeded eventually to found a reformed Benedictine monastery. At his monastery luxury, simony and ambition were unknown. The priests chanted the holy Office with devotion. The lay brothers gave themselves up to manual work and all practiced penance and humility.
Saint John never became a priest, not even a porter, which is one of the minor orders. Although he founded the monastery, he would come humbly to the door of the church and wait patiently for the monk whose duty it was to open the door in the morning.
PRAYER: The world tells us to get even. Saint John, lead us to turn the other cheek as the Gospel advises and thus obtain the salvation of our soul. Amen.
