The Collect for the Memorial of St. Isidore the Farmer:
“Lord God, to whom belongs all creation, and who call us to serve you by caring for the gifts that surround us, inspire us by the example of Saint Isidore to share our food with the hungry and to work for the salvation of all people. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”
Reflection
St. Isidore lived in Spain around the year 1100. Our prayer begins by recalling that all things belong to God and that he has made us stewards of creation. This call to care for his gifts includes our environment as well as our neighbors. In addition to being a farmer, Isidore was a charitable man. So, we pray to learn from his example in the areas of stewardship and charity, but also in working for the salvation of others. It is worth remembering that sharing our food with the hungry and being good stewards is itself a part of the work for the salvation of all people.
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
Ponder the reality of creation as God’s gift to the human race. Then think about how you do your part to take care of that gift and use it well. Pray for a sense of responsibility. Pray especially for the courage to look past politics in order to be a good steward for creation, to care for the environment as a Catholic. Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass.
