Our Saint of the Day is the patron of farmers and rural communities! 🚜
May 15, 2024
Hello John,
Today, we honor Saint Isidore the Farmer whose story speaks of humble devotion, deep love for God, and a deep connection to the earth and its creatures.
His love for the poor and his concern for the proper treatment of animals exemplify his profound understanding of God's presence in all creation. Isidore's life was a testament to the sanctity of ordinary moments and the transformative power of grace in the everyday.
As we reflect on Saint Isidore's legacy, let us also take time to "smell the roses" in our own lives—to pause and appreciate the beauty and wonder of God's creation all around us. In the midst of our busy lives, may we find moments of quiet reflection and gratitude, knowing that every blade of grass and every creature proclaims the goodness and presence of our Creator.
Let us pray for a profound appreciation for the beauty and majesty of creation, recognizing that in doing so, we draw closer to the heart of God.
With prayers and blessings,
Christopher Meyer Director of Development
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Isidore is the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular, he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National Rural Life Conference.
When he was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son, who died as a child.
Isidore had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long.
He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s supplying them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals.
He died May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622, with Saints Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints.”
Reflection
Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
We all imitate Mary and experience her reality every time we attend Mass. When we say Amen to receive the Eucharist, we become vessels carrying the Son of God. We too, become Christ-bearers, holding divinity and humanity in the temple of our being; we are, by this sacrament, “full of Grace.”
If they were alive, the Magi might come from afar to pay homage to this “pure, holy, and spotless” gift within us, one that is freely given at a tremendous price. Often, I like to hold the Host on the tip of my tongue as I slowly proceed back to my pew. In the dark church, a feminine presence accompanies me during the early morning hours. A series of angels bow, one by one, as we pass. God has looked with favor on this lowly servant.
The psalmist sings, “The heavens are telling the glory of God,” in Psalm 19:1. And so does the earth. And every single human being. And don’t forget the armadillo and the aardvark. The created cosmos is a book written by God just for us. When we pause to ponder a pulsar or a parakeet, we “read” about God’s goodness, power, beauty, and presence. “Stop and smell the roses” is not simply good advice to take time out of your busy schedule to relax—it’s also an excellent way to fall in love with the Creator.
Pray
Creator of the Cosmos, your majesty and creativity are the source of everything—from the blazing sun and a blade of grass to the hippopotamus and the human heart. May I have a profound appreciation and reverence for creation, knowing it proclaims your goodness, power, beauty, and presence in my life. Amen.
Act
As you page through a magazine, the internet, or watch TV, prayerfully ask yourself, “What does this image tell me about God?”
Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Albert Haase, OFM. Learn more here!
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