The patron saint of politicians, for instance. St. Thomas More. Who stood up Henry VIII and lost his head for speaking truth to power. He is the patron saint of politicians and their servants in government.
Even if you don’t believe in saints, St. Thomas does set a fine example for any advisors to kings, prime ministers and presidents. We could use people in power who surround themselves with advisors who have a strong sense of service to the public good. Who insist on doing what is right regardless of personal cost.
Or a saint like Saint Francis of Assisi. Yep, the talk to the birds and fishes Saint Francis. He was the son of a wealthy and influential merchant. In his youth he enjoyed fine clothes and fighting. He went to war, was captured and spent a year in captivity.
When he finally returned home he had a revelation about his purpose in life. And it didn’t involve making himself more wealth and luxury while people around him were starving.
Before he was known as the talks-to-the-animals saint, he was the poor mendicant saint. Who gave back all his clothes to his father and started wearing the rough plain robes of the poor.
The whole idea of saints and examining their lives is not that they are some kind of spiritual superheroes. Quite the opposite, they are human, frail and subject to the same weaknesses we all experience. Yet at some point they rise above their venal faults and that is when they show us the best that is in all of us.
That we are never beyond grace and should never give up hope.
Finally, because I want the excuse to show the beautiful statue by Stefan Maderno, another saint to consider today is St. Cecelia. A simple girl, she is the patron saint of musicians and if ever there was a time for music, it is now. Music is a gift that can ease our hearts and soothe our fears.
When in doubt, sing. Regardless of what you think of your ability, you’ll feel better, I promise.
Crossposted from my blog A journal of the DT Commodus plague years
Bear no letter without Peril 