January 13

In the early centuries of Christianity, there were still many people who

did not believe in God as we do. They believed that there were many gods,

some more powerful than others. These people were not bad. They just did

not know any better. They were called pagans.

In the year 315, Hilary was into just such a family in Poitiers, a town in

France. His family was rich and well-known. Hilary received a good

education. He married and raised a family.

Through his studies, Hilary learned that a person should practice

patience, kindness, justice and as many good habits as possible. These good

acts would be rewarded in the life after death. Hilary's studies also

convinced him that there could only be one God who is eternal, all-powerful

and good. He read the Bible for the first time. When he came to the story

of Moses and the burning bush, Hilary was very impressed by the name God

gave himself: I AM WHO AM. Hilary read the writings of the prophets, too.

Then he read the whole New Testament. By the time he finished, he was

completely converted to Christianity and was baptized.

Hilary lived the faith so well that he was appointed a bishop. This did

not make his life easy because the emperor was interfering in Church

matters. When Hilary opposed him, the emperor exiled him. And here is

where Hilary's great virtues of patience and courage shone. He accepted

exile calmly and used the time to write books explaining the faith.

Since he was becoming famous, Hilary's enemies asked the emperor to send

him back to his hometown. There he would be less noticeable. So Hilary

returned to Poitiers in 360. He continued writing and teaching the people

about the faith. Hilary died eight years later, at the age of fifty-two.

His books have influenced the Church right to our own day. That is why he

is called a Doctor of the Church.

No one's life is easy. But as we learn from Hilary, it is not so much

what happens in our life that matters, as what we do with what happens.

From: Saints for young readers for everyday.