The Collect for the Memorial of St. Damien of Molokai, Priest:
“Father of mercy, who gave us in Saint Damien a shining witness of love for the poorest and most abandoned, grant that, by his intercession, as faithful witnesses of the heart of your Son Jesus, we too may be servants of the most needy and rejected. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”
Reflection
St. Damien de Veuster, more commonly known and “Damian of Molokai,” dedicated his life to serving the lepers on the island of Molokai in Hawaii in the late 1800s.As always, we recall that the shining examples of the Saints are gifts from God. In particular, St. Damien is an inspiring example of how to respond to Jesus’ words “whatever you do unto the least of my brethren, you do unto me.” He shows us that mercy is not just forgiveness, but love for those in need, those in misery. Not only are we inspired by his example, but we are also assisted by his prayers. Jesus’ heart brims over with compassion for the needy and rejected, so our witness to that heart must include actively working for the good of the “least of these.”
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
Evaluate your own response to the demands of charity and of Christ. Would you be willing to risk your health, comfort, and even your life in service to others? Pray to God for an increase in compassion and for the courage to accept whatever charity He calls you to. Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass.
