Saint Henry

We take the optional memorial of Saint Henry today. He was born in Bavaria in 973. He succeeded his father in ruling over a duchy and was later elected emperor. He was most remarkable for his work in Church reform and for fostering missionary activity. He died in 1024 and made a saint by Pope Eugene III in 1146 (Magnificat, 170). In Matthew's Gospel for today we hear Jesus reproaching the towns where he performed many deeds because they had not repented (Mt. 11:20). To repent of our sins is a continual call. We are reminded that we are sinners in need of God's mercy and forgiveness and for our part, we need to turn away from sin and turn back to God, to repent. We are given divine assistance today in the life of Saint Henry. As the opening prayer states, "Lord, you filled Saint Henry with your love and raised him from the cares of an earthly kingdom to eternal happiness in heaven." That is our hope! We all look forward to that day when we can enter God's eternal kingdom. The next line of the prayer is key to our repentance "In the midst of the changes in this world, may his (Saint Henry's) prayers keep us free from sin and help us on our way toward you." Let us look to the intercession of Saint Henry as we continue our journey of repentance and faith! Have a blessed day!!!