(d.760)  Born to wealthy nobility, Saint Gengulphus became a knight and courtier. His wife was unfaithful but rather than expose her, he retreated to live as a hermit in his castle. Her lover murdered him in bed. He is the patron saint of difficult marriages, separated spouses, and victims of unfaithfulness.

People have hurt us. We have hurt people. Step 4 often begins with a list of resentments we might be harboring. Steps 8 and 9 teach us to make right the things we have wronged. Saint Gengulphus gives a radical witness to not taking an eye for an eye but seeking consolation in God rather than worldly justice.

Saint Gengulphus, model of compassion and forgiveness, pray for us that we might learn to let go of the things we cannot change, and that we have the courage to right the wrongs that we can. Amen.

Reflection by Brad Farmer