+ St. Henry, son of Henry, Duke of Bavaria was a model not only for the Christian way of life, but also for the life of those holding civil authority over others. Henry's secret of staying centered on the great eternal truths was the simple art of meditation which kept these truths alive in his heart. He was not ever elated by this dignity and in all things sought the greater glory of God. He was most watchful over the welfare of the Church and did what he could to effect church discipline by means of working with bishops.
He gained several victories over his temporal enemies and was given an imperial crown at the hands of Pope Benedict VIII. The saint made numerous foundations, gave liberally to pious institutions and built the Cathedral of Bamberg. His holy death occurred at the castle of Grone, near Halberstaad, in 1024. Today, July 13, is his feast day. He is the patron saint of the childless, of Dukes, of the handicapped and those rejected by Religious Order.
Our readings today only confirm the heart of Henry of Bavaria. The Prophet Micah tells of those who would "do what they have been told by the Lord to do: to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with their God."
The gospel passage reminds us all that it is not those who simply cry out the Lord's name who will be saved in the end: but only those who do what he told them to do:
to do the right and to love goodness and to walk humbly with your God through all the hours of the day and night! We will know exactly what to do in any situation if we do this – and trust in him – and love him!
Whoever loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
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