Tuesday, January 8, 2019

His Word Today: Saint Raymond of Penyafort

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates and prays with Saint Raymond of Penyafort, a Spanish Dominican Friar who lived in the 13th century (circa 1175 - 6 January 1275) who was responsible for compiling a collection of canon laws which remained an integral part of the Church's law until the 20th century.  He is considered the patron saint of lawyers, especially canon lawyers.

As a canonist, it was Raymond's responsibility to embody the heart of the Shepherd who was moved with pity for the crowds because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mk 6:34).  It is the heart of Jesus that always demonstrates the merciful love of God.  Inspired by his example, his faithful followers constantly seek out those of our brothers and sisters who are lost, disoriented or in need of help and inspired by the Lord's example, our task is to respond to the needs of others so that we can bring them to encounter the merciful presence of our Saviour.

Today, we ask Saint Raymond to pray with us, imploring the Lord to show us his face in the faces of our brothers and sisters, and inspiring us to do as he did: to respond to the needs of others with love and mercy.

Have a great day.

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