Daily Devotional of sorts - January 10th

January 10^th: Feast of St. Pietro Orseolo - Pietro lived in Venice in the 10^th century. In fact, from 976 to 978, he was the Doge, or Duke, of Venice. The Doge was the highest position in the Republic of Venice. He was known for being a generous leader. He was known for the great deal of care he showed towards widows, pilgrims, and the orphaned. With his own wealth, he financed the reconstruction of, what is now, St. Mark’s Basilica. On September 1^st, 978, he left Venice to go join the Benedictine Abbey in Prades, France. He left his job, his wealth, and his family to become a monk. His only contact with Venice was instructions left to his grandson, Otto, on how to live a life of Christian virtue. Otto would go on to become Doge years later. After years in the monastery, he finally left to become a hermit in the surrounding forests. He was a hermit for seven years and died on this day in 987. I have a few thoughts about St. Pietro. I believe he was a good man who dedicated his life to living according to the two Great Commandments. He was a generous man who did good for his community. But I do have problems with traditional Christian monasticism. Isolating yourself in a monastery can be a good way to grow spiritually. But I think it also has grave downsides. I believe that Christians are supposed to be exemplars to the world. We are supposed to be the salt of the Earth, not contained to a salt shaker sitting on the shelf forever. I think it was the wrong move to abandon his job and his family to live a life of monasticism. I think it is prudent for all Christians to live their faith in the world.

Prayer: Lord, may you make of us the salt of the earth, and the light of the World. May your everlasting love shine through us towards all. May we serve as beacons of goodness in a dark world. Peace on Earth, and good will towards all. Amen.