Model of Honesty
A Model of Honesty, Authenticity, and Courage – St. Margaret of Cortona
Model of Honesty. St Margaret of Cortona lived back in the 1200s. Her mother died when she was a young child, and her father remarried a woman who was cruel to Margaret. When she was 17 years old, she left home as the mistress of a nobleman to escape her father’s home and the abuse she endured there. She lived in sin with him for nine years and they had a son together. Even while in the midst of such a sinful life she wanted to live a better life but delayed her conversion.
One day, her lover’s dog came, got her, and led her into the woods where his dead body was. Margaret realized she couldn’t delay her conversion and went on to exhibit true honesty, authenticity, and courage as she turned her back on her old way of life. She admitted to herself and everyone that wrong is wrong and that she’d done wrong. It took great authenticity and courage to not want to hide in shame.
She focused the same honesty, authenticity, and courage on the Lord after her conversion. She continually begged Him for a sense of His Presence. She focused her emotional neediness on Him and was unashamed in doing so. He most often relented and gave her deep spiritual experiences of Himself. One day in prayer, He showed her that her place in Heaven would be among the virgins. He told her that is how He sees her.
The Lord’s ability to renew and transform so far exceeds anything we can comprehend. His mercy and grace are so complete, and He puts our sins and shame so far from us. We can take great courage from St. Margaret of Cortona’s life and imitate her example. Let’s be honest about our sins, our neediness for the Lord, and authentically pursue Him wholeheartedly and with courage knowing that He will NEVER turn us away. Rather, He will transform beyond our wildest dreams whatever we give Him! Let’s give Him our hearts!
May the Lord give you peace!
Margaret
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