Born in Spain in 1479, John de Castrillo was the first child of parents who had struggled with infertility for 16 years. He was educated by Benedictines and then entered the Augustinian order. He had a deep devotion to the Eucharist, and had many mystical experiences and visions during Mass, especially during the consecration. He was a popular spiritual director, and he could read people’s hearts in confession. He worked miracles, but he was most well-known for his fiery sermons against excusing away a sinful way of life. After preaching against their lifestyles, some people threw rocks at him in the street. Others were so outraged they hired assassins, but the would-be-killers changed their minds and refused to murder the holy man, and confessed to him instead.
CHALLENGE
St. John of Sahagún preached the truth about sin, even though it was a hard message for many people to hear. When it comes to your lifestyle, are you guilty of reassuring yourself with comforting lies rather than accepting the painful truth? Do you excuse your sins away with “It’s not really a sin” or “God will understand”? It’s time to stop the excuses. Today, accept the hard truths about your life. Then get to confession.
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