Ad Dominum

Swords into plowshares

Posted on August 26, 2009, 1:24 am, by Thom, under Catholic Christianity, Christendom, Liturgy.

Yesterday was the feast day of St. Louis IX, King of France, and Secular Franciscan (Third Order, in his day). He is one of the Patrons of the Secular Franciscan Order (with St. Elizabeth of Hungary), and he is the patron saint of my parish.

Shrine to St. Louis IX at St. Louis IX Church

The LotH has this to say about St. Louis:

Louis was born in the year 1214. He became king of France at the age of twenty-two. He married and had eleven children to whom he gave excellent training. He was particularly noted for his spirit of penance and prayer and his love for the poor. In ruling his kingdom he showed concern not only for the peace of his people but also for their spiritual welfare. He joined the crusade to free the tomb of Christ and died near Carthage in the year 1270.

I’m not a fan of Louis’ “crusading” activities. I wish that I could say, “Aha! See?! Even though it was acceptable, and even encouraged in his time, he still knew it was wrong!”

Alas, I cannot say that.

However, that has happened before, and I have no doubt that it will happen again. We cannot change history; what has been done is done. This is why, though, that we should always be open to genuine development in theology, spirituality, thought, and practice. We can accept what was done in the past, no matter the intention, and move forward, building upon it, knowing that we can always do better, and always should do better. We strive for perfection, but it has not yet been realized. If you think that it has, it’s time to start over.

St. Louis, pray for us.

Pax et bonum.