Saint Agatha
Agatha is known mainly through legends. She died during the time of the Decian persecution (249-251). It is alleged that she was sent to a brothel to force her to give up her faith. After she was tortured, the apostle Peter is said to have appeared and cured her. The following day she died in prison of new cruelties. Her intervention was credited with stilling the eruption of Mount Etna the year after her burial. In the middle Ages, especially in southern Germany, bread, candles, fruit and letters were blessed in her name to ward off destruction by fire. She is considered a patron of miners, alpine guides and nurses. She is mentioned in Eucharistic Prayer I.
REFLECTION
Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
In its proper place, money can offer comfort, freedom, generosity, service and fun. It’s when money is out of proper priority—when we love the blessings more than the One who blesses, when we love stuff more than the Source – that trouble ensues. This verse contains an important clue for keeping a proper perspective on prosperity: “Be content with what you have.” Make it a point to practice gratitude. It is a powerful catalyst for alignment and well-being. When we are thankful for what we have, we create an abundance mindset that gives God the credit. Gratitude cannot coexist with fear or lack. A regular part of my daily devotion is my gratitude practice: I make a list in my journal of things I am thankful for. This small, consistent action has changed my life. We tend to find what we are looking for; why not start the day looking for reasons to be happy.
