Today we celebrate the feast of St. Isidore of Seville, Spain – otherwise known as Isidore the Farmer, because of his humble origins. He lived in the 6th century and was one of several saints in one family: his two brothers and a sister were also saints. Though he found learning difficult at first, he later came to love learning and succeeded his brother Leander as archbishop of Seville where he presided for 37 years.
He wrote many practical works explaining the Trinity and the Incarnation of Jesus. He called together several councils in Spain and presided over them with wisdom. He died in 636.
Isidore tried to practice what he preached and taught. He knew that his ministry was a gift from God as did Paul in the first reading today. He knew that he was preaching Christ Jesus of whom he was a slave, and not himself. He knew he held the treasure of God in an earthen vessel – his own weak body and person – to show that its surpassing power comes from God and not from himself!
God was very pleased with this humble servant of his! The mouth of this just man murmured wisdom!
In the gospel passage Jesus says that you can tell the tree by its fruit. A good tree bears good fruit. The fact that Isidore was recognized as a doctor of the Church and a model for bishops – even by Pope John XXIII – demonstrates that from his loving and generous heart Isidore produced great deeds – good fruit - through the power of the Holy Spirit working through him.
May the shepherds of our day find in Isidore a model of humility, patience, love of learning and true charity!
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