Jan 31st - John Bosco

In the great tradition of saints deferring their own holiness to the holiness of others, John Bosco founded the Salesians, named for the saint who inspired him, Francis de Sales. It shows that we never know what effect our lives have on others, even after we may be long dead and gone here on Earth.
But we are not truly long dead and gone and that is the beauty of the doctrine of the Communion of Saints that we have; Francis de Sales is not gone and his influence is with us today. John Bosco is not gone and he helps sustain and support not just those who follow his rule but each of us as well.
We are all in this together. The inspiration we draw from the saints is not based on the long-dead stories but in the constant aid they provide us from their place at the feet of the King. It is the gift that keeps on giving.
The work of John continues on in his brothers but most importantly the work of Christ continues on in all of us, his followers for he "lives and reigns" even today.

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If a well-known and trustworthy person were to go to a public square and tell all the idlers loitering there that on a certain hill they would find a gold mine and could take all they wanted, do you think anyone would shrug his shoulders and say he did not care? They’d be dashing there as fast as they could!
Well, now, doesn’t the tabernacle hold the most precious treasure ever to be found on earth or in heaven? Unfortunately, there are many who cannot see it because they are blind. Yet our faith unerringly tells us that endless riches are to be found there. People sweat and toil to make money, and yet, in the tabernacle dwells the Lord of the universe. He will grant you what you ask, if you really need it.
Isn’t Our Lord Jesus Christ Lord and Master of all? Go to Him then. Ask and it shall be given you; knock and it shall be opened to you! Jesus longs to grant you favors, especially those you need for your soul.
A saint once saw the Infant Jesus on the altar holding the front of His tunic apron-like and overflowing with precious pearls. He looked sad. "Why so sad, my Lord?" the saint asked.
"Because nobody cares for My favors," Jesus replied. "I don't know anyone to give them to!"

-- Spiritual Bouquet, December 1, 1859