Daybreak

Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Louis of France, 1214-1270; interpreted his kngly duties in the light of faith; respectful of the papacy, but defended royal interests against the popes; he was devoted to his people, founding hospitals, visiting the sick, and like his patron Saint Francis, caring even for people with leprosy; every day, Louis had 13 special guests from among the poor to eat with him; Louis led a crusade to North Africa in 1270; within a month of their landing at Carthage, the army camp was decimated by disease; Louis himself died there at the age of 56 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 8/25/25 Gospel: Matthew 23:13-22