Nov 06th - Leonard of Noblac

We often forget about those who are marginalized, for whatever reason.
Leonard prayed to end an invasion, converted with Clovis, and was granted the ability to release any prisoner he so chose. He left the court and lived an austere life of holiness and preaching (the two are rarely separate).
It is his ability to pardon that catches my eye, and makes him the patron of POW's. How easy it is to be the victor, to treat/mistreat those we conquer with disdain and dismissal. We often dehumanize our enemies, enemies who God made human.
Leonard pray for us that we too may be kind and merciful, even to our enemies.

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Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee. I, it is I who comfort you. Can you then fear mortals who die, human beings who are just grass, And forget the LORD, your maker, who stretched out the heaven and laid the foundations of earth? All the day you are in constant dread of the fury of the oppressor When he prepares himself to destroy; but where is the oppressor’s fury? The captives shall soon be released; they shall not die and go down into the pit, nor shall they want for bread. For I am the LORD, your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; the LORD of hosts by name. I have put my words into your mouth, I covered you, shielded by my hand, Stretching out the heavens, laying the foundations of the earth, saying to Zion: You are my people.

-- Isaiah 51:11-16