Homily for Memorial of St. Margaret of Scotland

Homily for the Memorial of
St. Margaret of Scotland

Nov. 16, 2021
Collect
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, New Rochelle, N.Y.

Thru the intercession and after the example of St. Margaret, we pray today that “we may reflect among all humanity the image of [God’s] divine goodness” (Collect).  According to the collect, Margaret reflected God’s goodness thru her “charity toward the poor.”

(from a window in Edinburgh Castle)

In our situation we’re called to reflect God’s image to the people at hand.  As a community we may have ways to assist the poor monetarily and certainly by prayer, and our intercessions often do so.  But individually and practically, our charity must touch the men and women around us.

To our brothers and our staff we can be patient, forgiving, and helpful.  A bright smile reflects the image of God’s goodness.  Pope Francis tells us that the 3 most important words in family life are “please,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry.”  Call that courtesy or call it kindness—it’s a form of charity.

We might also be diligent in keeping in touch with our brothers, our relatives, and our friends.  A call or a note from us might be “charity toward the poor,” to someone needing a good word, a sign of appreciation.  We needn’t be royalty like Margaret of Scotland, just royalty thru our belonging to the kingdom of God.