Margaret of Scotland
Queen of Scotland
Pious and energetic, Margaret did much to improve the religious lot of Scots in Scotland. She endeavored to improve what she considered to be old-fashioned and careless practice among the Scottish clergy. For instance, she insisted that the observances of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday rather than on the following Monday. She insisted that the mass followed the form established by the Catholic Latin Mass. She argued that Sunday be utilized to say our prayers. Margaret also built schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Margaret was also a conscientious wife and mother of eight children. She also saw to the spiritual welfare of her large household, providing servants with opportunity for regular worship and prayer. Her good works earned her the reputation of Scotland's most beloved Saint.
Prayer
Oh God, you called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly Kingdom and gave her zeal for your church and love for your people. Mercifully grant that we, who commemorate her this day, may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen.
Scripture Luke 4: 16-22
Jesus went to Nazareth where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it was written “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
Reflection
What we need in today’s world are world are heroes for God and people possessed with love, compassion, and a willingness to do God’s work fearlessly. I don’t have that zeal now, but I have had times and moments when God pulled me into the fray and I was on fire for God. How about you? Just think how our lives and our people could be transformed!