Saint Isidora of Egypt lived during the fourth century. She wore a rag on her head instead of the veils the other women wore. She went barefoot, when everyone else wore sandals. She ate crumbs from the table and leftovers from other people’s plates, instead of eating regular meals. The more strangely she behaved, the more others thought she was crazy and the more rudely and meanly they treated her.
But God showed everyone that Isidora was actually the holiest person in the community. She always obeyed and did all of her jobs as if she were a slave. She was silent when others criticized her. She was patient when others were angry.
When God sent Saint Pitirim from the desert to find someone holier than himself, God led him to the community of Isidora. Saint Pitirim looked at all the women, but knew that the holy one was not among them. Someone said, “We are all here, except the fool. She is in the kitchen.”
When Isidora was brought out, Saint Pitirim made a prostration before her, asked her to bless him, and scolded the others for not recognizing the virtue – moral excellence and purity of heart – of Isidora.
Her humility was astonishing. After this, Saint Isidora ran away, because she did not want earthly honor and glory. She cared only about what God thought about her.
We celebrate Saint Isidora, the Fool for Christ, on May 10th.
Click here to listen to the story of Saint Isidora in the Lausiac History, part 6/05.
O Holy Virgin, pray that we may be freed from concern about what others think of us and only care about pleasing our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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