+ Today we celebrate the feast of a model Christian ruler: Louis IX, King of France. He ruled France at a time of great cultural achievement, symbolized in the building of great Gothic cathedrals and the development of universities. He himself was generous to the poor, often distributing food to them in person, founded a hospital for the destitute and the sight-impaired, established three monasteries, and was impartial but often merciful in the execution of justice. In 1248 Louis sailed to Cyprus with his army on a crusade to the Holy Land. After an initial victory, his army was afflicted with disease and then was defeated. He himself was taken prisoner, as is said to have prayed the Divine Office daily in captivity with two chaplains. After his release he returned to France but soon caught typhoid fever and died on August 24, 1254. He was buried near the abbey-church of St. Denis in Paris.
The readings today speak of Louis' Christian outlook: he was a worker of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy: he sheltered the oppressed, he broke the yokes over which he had power, he shared his bread with the hungry, he clothed the naked, his did not turn his back on his own. And now his light breaks forth like the dawn. The Lord guided him always and renewed his strength to do his will! The gospel passage simply states the great commandments to which Louis showed great obedience: Love God first and with all your being; and love others as you love yourself: and you will experience the joy of being human that can be found in no other way!
St. Louis, King of France, pray that we are as devoted to God in our daily tasks of prayer and work as you were in yours!
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