My Personal Nominee for Sainthood by Chris White

 

"Is that fresh coffee I smell?"

Thank God for the wisdom he gave Pope Clement VII.  Even though he said “no” to Henry VIII’s divorce to Catherine of Aragon, he said “yes” to coffee.  It was the turn of the century (the 16^th century, that is) and Rome was under the threat of the Muslims of the Ottoman Empire.  The Muslims, then as now, eschewed all alcoholic beverages as pagan (apparently Jesus was unaware of this at the wedding of Cana) but had their own special concoction called “Kahve” which we call in English, coffee.  Clement’s advisors came to him seeking a papal edict condemning this devilish new brew throughout Christendom.  Wisely, before he issued such a sweeping statement, Clement asked his advisors to bring him a cup of the Muslim drink.  To everyone’s surprise Clement loved the taste and aroma of the coffee and he did not become an arch-heretic or devil worshipper after partaking in his first “cuppa- joe”.  As the story goes he told the papal court that we must not allow this beverage to become the liquid of Satan.  No, we have more power than Satan and we shall make coffee our own.  And that they did, for what church gathering today would seem complete without a “coffee hour” afterwards?.  It is the Psalmist who said “O Lord, how many are your works!  In wisdom Thou hast made them all; the earth is full of Thy possessions (104:24).”  Take some time today and thank the Lord today for the many pleasures He has so generously given us.  May we enjoy all His blessings in true wisdom and of course with a little cream and sugar.