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Guardian Angels Read: Matthew 18:1-5,10 |
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Leger was raised at the court of King Clotaire II and by his uncle, Bishop Didon of Poitiers. Leger was made archdeacon by Didon, was ordained, and in about 651, became abbot of Maxentius Abbey, where he introduced the Rule of St. Benedict. He served Queen Regent St. Bathildis and helped her govern when Clovis II died in 656, and was named bishop of Autun in 663. He reconciled the differing factions that had torn the See apart, introduced reforms, fortified the town, and was known for his concern for the poor. On the death of Clotaire III, he supported young Childeric II for King against his brother Thierry, who had been backed by Ebroin, mayor of the palace. Ebroin was exiled to Luxeuil and became a bitter enemy of Leger, who became Childeric's adviser. |
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Today is the Memorial of the Guardian Angels. While I frequently pray to my guardian angel and many others’ guardian angels, I did not realize we had a celebration of a special day. I love the concept of having an angel there at my side every moment of my day. I take great comfort in this and frequently call upon mine for specific needs. The guardian angel prayer is one that many may remember. I do not remember praying it as an adult so it is helpful to have a reminder. Angel of God It is a prayer that honors the angels that God has sent to be with us and to protect us. When I am heading into a meeting that may be challenging for a number of reasons, I always pray to my Guardian Angel – it has saved me many times in keeping my composure under very duress. I even pray it when I am with students and they need to face some tough decisions – I pray that they will be open to God’s will. It is clear in the first reading that Job finally hears the Word of God and is willing now to have an open heart. His declaration that God can do all things is a comforting one. The rewards are great for the faithful behavior of Job and although they focus on materials things in this passage, we know that the true rewards are much greater and of a different nature. Job is so entirely open to what the Lord would do with him. He lives his life forward as he reflects the values so foundational to early Christians (and to us now!!) It is important to note that Job clearly repented to the Lord as well. We will never be refused when we repent with all our being. The responsorial psalm speaks to our relationship with God and the need to be ready at any time. Asking in prayer for wisdom and insight allows the teacher to bestow them upon us. We hear in each response that what keeps our focus: the light (your face) that shines upon us. Jesus presents us with another parable for the gospel. He proposes that the adults come as children – humble, open, and innocent. It is that very humility that will allow for our rewards and rejoicing. Another message beyond we adults embracing a more childlike relationship (full of awe and wonderment) is the directive to take care of children in the name of Jesus. Mother Theresa’s remark to see Jesus in all whom she served ties in beautifully with the Ignatian concept of Faith that does Justice. . |
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Reflection:
What childlike qualities have you lost and wish to regain?
Lord, make me like a child today.
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TODAYS SAINT: St. Leger |
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Today’s Bible Reading :
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When Leger denounced the marriage of Childeric to his uncle's daughter, he also incurred the enmity of Childeric, and in 675 Leger was arrested at Autun and banished to Luxeuil. When Childeric was murdered in 675, his successor, Theodoric III, restored Leger to his See. Ebroin was also restored as mayor of the palace after he had had the incumbent Leudesius murdered and pursuaded the Duke of Champagne and the bishops of Chalons and Valence to attack Autun. To save the town, Leger surrendered. Ebroin had him blinded, his lips cut off, and his tongue pulled out. Not satisfied, several years, he convinced the King that Childeric had been murdered by Leger and his brother Gerinus. Gerinus was stoned to death, and Leger was tortured and imprisoned at Fecamp Monastery in Normandy. After two years Leger was summoned to a court at Marly by Ebroin, deposed, and executed at Sarcing, Artois, protesting his innocence to the end. Though the Roman Martyrology calls him Blessed and a martyr, there is doubt among many scholars that he is entitled to those honors. His feast day is October 2.
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DAILY HIGHLIGHTS |
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“Amen. I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 18:3-4 |
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