Opening Prayer
Lord, I reflect on the Mirror of the Word as the primary way to learn my duty in this life and the standard for my professional and moral conduct. I recognize Scripture as a breathing image of godly living, provided for my imitation and my spiritual healing in the medical clinic of the soul. Grant me the discipline to study the lives of the saints as moving statues of moral excellence, transferring their features into my own character.
I petition for a virtuous mind to interpret the events of my life through the lens of Your revealed truth. Let the examples of biblical heroes teach me the endurance and self-control I lack in the face of temporal trials. May my study of the sacred texts be not merely an intellectual exercise, but a participation in the very light of Your mind, directing me toward the fulfillment of my duty.
Amen.
Matthew 19:16-22
16And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting? 17Who said to him: Why asketh thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18He said to him: Which? And Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness. 19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20The young man saith to him: All these I have kept from my youth, what is yet wanting to me? 21Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me. 22And when the young man had heard this word, he went away sad: for he had great possessions.
St. Stephen of Hungary
St. Stephen of Hungary largely delves on the topic of just and unjust government. Stephen differentiates “worldly power” from the “royal crown of virtues”. His narrative of grace was to lead others to church by example and to rule his own heart before ruling a nation. He reminds us that nothing we possess is really ours. We must be just and merciful as God is.
To search out God’s path, the believer must take up the “staff of faith” and search the Scriptures with a lowly and virtuous mind. This study requires more than academic curiosity; it demands that we “use reason and refuse no good learning” while following the Church’s ancient teachers. By navigating the “lofty and difficult” passages with humility, we find the truth that anchors the soul.
“A public official must seek a royal crown of virtues. All power is a gift to be used for the salvation of souls, not for status or finery.”
— St. Stephen of Hungary
Mary and the Magisterium
A leader’s strength is found in the medicine of God’s Word. St. Stephen reminds us that those who govern must mirror Mary’s openness to being directed by the Holy Spirit.
- Am I "admitting that without God I can do nothing"?
- Do I "strive after spiritual advancement" in the way I handle my "possessions and status"?
Closing Prayer
Lord, let the reasoning powers You’ve given me always be employed in the service of Your justice.
Amen.
