Today in the book In Caelo et in Terra, we read about St Francois de Montmorency Laval. He was born into a very wealthy family in France. He was to inherit the estate from his parents, but he passed it to his brother and became a priest instead.
THEN, he chose to move to Quebec and work in the mission field there. He served the poor and helped build the church on the frontier, championing the rights of the indigenous people against the local civil authorities. He wore himself out in this work and retired from his position, but continued to serve the poor until his death in 1708. You can read more about him here.
When you are born into a middle class or poor family, sometimes it's easier to give up things for God. But when you're born into and accustomed to extreme wealth, it can be very difficult to give up your very lifestyle to serve God. That's one reason Jesus said it was so difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. BUT, He also said with God all things are possible. Today's saint of the day shows us that possibility.
What is God calling you to give up today, that you might be able to more fully serve Him in the face of the poor?
God, thanks for the example of this rich man who chose rags to serve Your children. St Francois de Montmorency Laval, pray for us.
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