About today
Readings
John Eudes
Judges 11: 29-39. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will – Ps 39 (40): 5, 7-10. Matthew 22: 1-14.
Jephthah sacrifices his daughter in fulfillment of a vow
The sad story of Jephthah’s vow and the tragic consequences that led to the death of his only daughter are recorded in today’s first reading. His vow was incredibly unhappy. I wonder if we ask God for things and favors and vow to do something in return if the favor is granted. St. John Eudes, whose festival is today, lived much of the 17th century in a small region in northern France. In return for his gift of life, he developed a strong devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart. He founded the Sisters of Notre Dame of Charity of Refuge. One lay woman attracted to this order was Jeanne Jugan, who vowed to take care of the old poor. She was supposed to found the Little Sisters of the Poor, and they still live their vows today on the different continents of our world.
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