Winter Saints: Franco Lippi

Some saints get an early start. Like St. Rumbold, the infant saint who supposedly said "I am a Christian" when he was three days old, and then died. Or St. Therese, the Little Flower, who began seeking God early in life.

Other saints get off to a later start, like today's saint, Franco Lippi. After a life of sin, he fled Siena when accused of murder. He became blind, and went on a pilgrimage to Spain. When he returned, he sought to join a monastery, but was turned away. And really, who can blame them? He left an accused murderer and returned a saint-wanna-be. They instructed him to come back in five years, probably figuring he would be dead by then, since he was past fifty years old. He continued his life of penance and returned to the monastary in five years, where he was taken in. He died at the age of 70.

Where does this fit in on our Advent journey of social justice? Like Franco Lippi, we're all living a life of self-indulgance. We may not think we're as deep in as he is, but the truth is that every instance of putting ourselves above others grieves our Lord. And also, like Franco Lippi, we can remember that it's never too late to turn and repent, to put away the old person and be born again. And a final lesson, I think, is to remember that sometimes, even when we have a conversion experience and change our ways, we need to give those around a chance to see the change in us before they can believe it.

Peace and grace to you along your Advent journey!