 |
| The Kings of Kings |
Today is the Feast of Saint Louis IX, King of France. He is one of my favorite saints. If you ever have free time for some inspirational reading, I heartily recommend his biography. He is very impressive. The Second Reading from the Liturgy of the Hours for August 25 is an excerpt from a spiritual testament that King Saint Louis wrote to his son, that is, the Prince, the one who would succeed him as king. Here it is below in a condensed version. It seems that it is difficult for a person not to be struck by St. Louis' love for God, love for virtue, and desire to imitate the best of all kings, the King of Kings, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The history of mankind has too many examples of bad kings; they have given the word "king" a bad reputation. It's time to get rid of the bad reputation and replace it with the good rulers, such as King Louis IX, that the Church has to offer in her gallery of saints. And--lest I forget--happy feast day to anyone named "Lou" or "Louis" "Luigi" or "Luis". God bless you! -Father Charlie Bak, MSA
My dearest son, my first instruction is that you should love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your strength. … You should permit yourself to be tormented by every kind of martyrdom before you would allow yourself to commit a mortal sin.
If the Lord has permitted you to have some trial, bear it willingly and with gratitude, considering that it has happened for your good and that perhaps you well deserved it. If the Lord bestows upon you any kind of prosperity, thank Him humbly and see that you become no worse for it, either through vain pride or through anything else, because you ought not to oppose God or offend Him in the matter of His gifts.
Be kindhearted to the poor, the unfortunate, and the afflicted. Give them as much help and consolation as you can. Thank God for all the benefits he has bestowed upon you …
Be devout and obedient to our mother the Church of Rome and the Supreme Pontiff as your spiritual father. Work to remove all sin from your land …
In conclusion, my dearest son, I give you every blessing that a loving father can give a son. May the three Persons of the Holy Trinity and all the saints protect you from every evil. And may the Lord give you the grace to do His will so that He may be served and honored through you, that in the next life we may together come to see Him, love Him, and praise Him unceasingly. Amen.
