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March 13 | Serenity
A.D. 380–410
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your worries upon him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Yesterday, Saint Maximilian of Tebessa inspired us to contemplate how it would feel to walk like a man without a worry in the world. Let’s explore that more today, in the context of a woman who walked like she didn’t have a worry in the world.
Saint Euphrasia was born into the loud world of royalty and politics in Constantinople, but learned to live and love the quiet life no matter what her outer circumstances were. Her father died when she was young, and when she was seven years old, her mother arranged to marry her to a young nobleman. Euphrasia serenely said no, and expressed her desire to devote her life to God. Euphrasia’s calm demeanor was so convincing that her mother agreed, and brought her to a convent in Egypt.
At age twelve, she renounced her inheritance, choosing instead the humble garb of a nun. Saint Euphrasia lived the remainder of her days in quiet service, fasting, and manual labor. Saint Euphrasia left a legacy of deep, contemplative prayer and a serene demeanor that influenced generations of nuns up to this present day.
How would you describe your demeanor? Is it serene? Anxious? Hot-headed? Joyful? We often think we have no influence over our demeanor, but that is an all-too-convenient half-truth. Yes, we have an innate personality, but we can also shape our disposition intentionally.
Here’s a great way to start. Some words are angry, others are harsh, some are firm, others are weak or neutral. These three words are beautiful: peace, serenity, and tranquility. Say them quietly aloud, over and over, for two minutes. Take note of how these words make you feel. You will be amazed how just saying these beautiful words invites them into the depths of your being.
Invite peace, serenity, and tranquility into your life.
WHAT WOULD MY LIFE LOOK LIKE IF I DIDN’T HAVE A WORRY IN THE WORLD—EVEN FOR TEN MINUTES? WHEN IS A TIME IN MY DAY WHEN I CAN SIMPLY GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION NOT TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING?
I give all my worries to God.
This reflection is brought to you from book title.
Feast Day: March 13
Feast Day Shared By: Saint Sabinus of Hermopolis and Saint Christina of Persia