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| St. Matilda |
History
Matilda was born into a
wealthy, important family in Denmark. She was raised in a convent, where she
learned to love Jesus first and foremost. Then she married into another
important family – in fact, her husband became king of Germany. Matilda always
gave generously to the poor. After her son, Otto the Great, became king, he and
his brother Henry fought about the crown. She solved the problem by getting
Otto to make Henry a duke. Then both of them started complaining about how
generous she was in giving to the poor, so she left all her possessions with
them and moved away. In time, the brothers realized their mother was right and
apologized.
Activity
There is a saying, “You
can never out-give God.” This is true, because everything we have, comes from
God. Matilda understood this and looked upon all the riches she had as coming
from God – hers to manage and hers to give away, but not hers to keep. Lent is
a time for giving. So today, find a way to give generously. Give away something
you thought you could never go without. Or, if you are going to a parish
fish-fry fundraiser, give a little extra on top of the going rate.
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