St. Margaret of Scotland
Since I go to St. Margaret's Anglican Church in Winnipeg, I get to hear about St. Margaret of Scotland (wife of Malcolm III) every year around this time. Today (Nov 16) is the feast day for St. Margaret and I have been intrigued by what I have learned about her piece by piece.... year by year.
Today what stood out to me was the way that Margaret rubbed shoulders with (well, actually washed the feet of) the poor. What do I mean? Tradition tells us that it was her practice to have orphans and the poor come to the castle for a meal or to have their feet washed. She did this in imitation of Jesus and in obedience to His Word. The Gospel reading for today was Matthew 25:31-40.
When I imagine the situation, I am struck by the idea of a queen inviting in the poor and destitute to be fed by her and King Malcolm. Did they sit down and eat together? Probably not as "it is recorded that she never sat down to eat without first feeding nine orphans and 24 adults." (American Catholic.org) It sounds like she fed them first and then ate herself. But where did she fed them? In a formal dining room, a hall, or the kitchen? I wonder what the protocol was. Were they allowed to talk to the Queen? Did they converse back and forth? Even if they didn't, Margaret spent time with them. She welcomed them into her home. I believe she saw them as people, valued by God, as she expressed care for them in very practical ways. Her devotion was first and foremost to God but it was demonstrated by her care for others.
Her example is inspiring. Sure, none of us live in castles nor have gold coins kicking around the house (or at least I don't!) but whatever our situations, we can cross social and economic boundaries in Jesus name. We can put others needs before our own knowing that God is watching over us, is providing for us, and will take care of us. We can see Jesus in the people around us and treat them with dignity and respect. Thanks be to God for the life of St. Margaret!
Today what stood out to me was the way that Margaret rubbed shoulders with (well, actually washed the feet of) the poor. What do I mean? Tradition tells us that it was her practice to have orphans and the poor come to the castle for a meal or to have their feet washed. She did this in imitation of Jesus and in obedience to His Word. The Gospel reading for today was Matthew 25:31-40.
When I imagine the situation, I am struck by the idea of a queen inviting in the poor and destitute to be fed by her and King Malcolm. Did they sit down and eat together? Probably not as "it is recorded that she never sat down to eat without first feeding nine orphans and 24 adults." (American Catholic.org) It sounds like she fed them first and then ate herself. But where did she fed them? In a formal dining room, a hall, or the kitchen? I wonder what the protocol was. Were they allowed to talk to the Queen? Did they converse back and forth? Even if they didn't, Margaret spent time with them. She welcomed them into her home. I believe she saw them as people, valued by God, as she expressed care for them in very practical ways. Her devotion was first and foremost to God but it was demonstrated by her care for others.
Her example is inspiring. Sure, none of us live in castles nor have gold coins kicking around the house (or at least I don't!) but whatever our situations, we can cross social and economic boundaries in Jesus name. We can put others needs before our own knowing that God is watching over us, is providing for us, and will take care of us. We can see Jesus in the people around us and treat them with dignity and respect. Thanks be to God for the life of St. Margaret!
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