This is the fast that pleases me: breaking unjust fetters, letting the oppressed go free, sharing your food with the hungry and sheltering the homeless. The Church commemorates today St. Louis IX, King of France, who gained renown and fame throughout his kingdom because of his love and care for his subjects, especially the poor. Perhaps influenced by his Queen Mother Blanch of Castile who was herself a holy woman, King Louis managed to lead a life of penance and prayer despite his royal status. King Louis was not only the beloved of his subjects, he was also held in high regard by the Church whose patron and defender he was. He died as a crusader for the liberation of the Holy Places. King Louis is remembered and honored by the Church to date, not merely because he was a Christian King, but rather as an individual who recognized and understood that as a king, he was first of all a servant of the people. He understood that he had been raised by God to shepherd the people God had entrusted to his care, especially those who were most vulnerable. In today’s First Reading, God, speaking through Isaiah the prophet, reminds the people of the right worship due him. God is properly worshiped in the love that is shown to the unfortunate of the society: the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the oppressed. This is exactly what King Louis did. He ensured that he remained a practicing Christian despite his royal position. As we commemorate St. Louis today, let us remember Jesus’ words that to him/her who is given much, more will be required of him/her (cf. Luke 12:48). St. Louis was given more by the Lord and he did not fail in doing what was expected of him. He is remembered today, not because he fought and died in protecting the holy places but rather in the care and love he showed his subjects. He understood that he could show his love for God only by loving others (Gospel Reading).