St Leonard of Noblac  ​

St Leonard of Noblac was a Frank courtier, and during a certain invasion which they were losing, the Queen suggested to Leonard that he invoke the help of God. He did, and the tide of battle turned, naming Clovis victorious. Saint Remigius, bishop of Rheims then used this miracle to convert the King, Leonard, and a thousand of their followers to Christianity. Leonard then began a life of austerity, sanctification, and preaching. His desire to know God grew so strong that he decided to enter the monastery at Orleans. His brother, Saint Lifiard, also followed him. However, Leonard desired further seclusion, so he withdrew into a forest, converting many on the way. He died of natural causes around 559. After his death, churches were dedicated to him in France, England, Spain and Belgium.

REFLECTION FOR THE DAY

Our citizenship is in heaven… Philippians 3:20

My parents were second-generation Americans. They grew up speaking a native language and practicing customs of an “old” country, as they called it. But they did not share the same nationality. Their countries of origin were only separated by the Ionian Sea, but my grandparents were not impressed. In America, it took a while before they were no longer seen as foreigners. Throughout history, people have been a suspicious lot. We gravitate to those who mirror ourselves—speaking the same language, sharing the same culture. With the advent of commercial DNA testing, it’s now possible to learn much more about our ancestors. My parents would have been surprised to discover our family history goes well beyond the borders of two countries. While we don’t need DNA tests to recognize that we are all linked together on this earth, let’s be grateful for this scriptural reminder that we are promised a shared citizenship in heaven.