A story for every day...
The Angelus at the beginning of a theatrical performance.
When Bishop Sailer of Regensburg was still only a university professor, a school play was given in his honor one day in Kaufbeuern. The curtain rose, and a ten-year-old girl, who had been given the leading role, appeared on the stage, attracting the attention of all the spectators. At that moment the Angelus sounded, calling the Christians to prayer, and the little girl without any human respect said to the assembly, “Would it not be proper to say the Angelus before we begin?” Immediately she knelt down and recited her prayer. Some onlookers laughed, but most were deeply moved by the child’s courage; Sailer himself wept with emotion. The little girl then played with such perfection that she was applauded with enthusiasm. At the end of the play, Sailer called the child in, gave her a present and said: “My child, you have played your part admirably, and by your courageous profession of piety you have given us all a very edifying example. Continue to act in this way! God will be with you and make you happy.”
Catholics should often reflect on the boldness of the Mohammedans who are not afraid, even in the middle of a public square, to say the prescribed prayers in front of everyone.
Does anyone have anything else to say?
A rich landlord once gave a splendid dinner with the most sumptuous food and wine. After dinner, the master of the house proposed to go to the garden to have coffee, and all the guests got up to answer the proposal. Nevertheless, the host wanted to know if everyone was really in agreement, and asked if anyone had anything else to say. “I,” answered an elderly and venerable gentleman, “still have something to say.” And immediately he joined his hands and recited his graces. “That, gentlemen, he said, is what I still had to say.” Some of those present burst out laughing, but others testified their admiration of this fearlessness, and the master of the house shook hands with him, saying, “I congratulate you, you are a valiant man.”
He who in due course professes his faith without human respect resembles a valiant warrior: this one is decorated, but this one will receive from God an infinite reward.
