May 17th - Antonia Mesina

How does our sin make a saint? This may seem like a strange questions but if we profess that God makes all things new, creates only good, even from evil, then it must be true. If the whole of the Hebrew Scriptures are believed (and they should be) then that is what God tells us again and again, in every book.
So back to the question. This is not an invitation to sin but a call to look at the way God works in the world. Even amidst the selfishness and the evil it causes, among our pettiness, our envy, our sloth, our greed, saints arrive inspired by Jesus and his love of sinners who act to bring that love to others even surrounded by evil.
He also brings grace to us in times of evil. Saint after saint endures suffering and death to bring the love of Christ to fruition.
Zealous for the Faith, Blessed Antonia is one such saint. The evil of attempted rape and final murder performed on her recalls to us the likes of Maria Goretti as well. As in that it is the power and grace of God who turns the evil done to this girl into a powerful witness to His love to us, just as Christ's passion and death are proof positive of His love for us and an example for us to follow.
No matter what happens do not fear for "the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9); be at peace in every situation.

---

No one can withstand you as long as you live. As I was with Moses, I will be with you: I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and steadfast, so that you may give this people possession of the land I swore to their ancestors that I would give them. Only be strong and steadfast, being careful to observe the entire law which Moses my servant enjoined on you. Do not swerve from it either to the right or to the left, that you may succeed wherever you go. Do not let this book of the law depart from your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may carefully observe all that is written in it; then you will attain your goal; then you will succeed. I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.


-- Joshua 1:5-9