MIDWEEK PRAYER

 I found a prayer like this on the funeral program of one I attended recently.  It prompted me to investigate if, in fact, Christopher was still considered a saint.  The answer is yes although the Catholic Church has removed him from their litergical calendar.  

He may be mostly legend, you know.  He lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries in the Middle East.  Several noted artists, a thousand years later, produced paintings of him doing his thing.  He is depicted as a large muscular man.  After he converted to Christianity, he devoted his life to helping people.  He spent much time helping people cross a dangerous river.  Once he carried a child across the river and the child revealed himself as Jesus when he set him down.  Thus, the most common picture of him holding a child and making him the patron of travelers.

Christopher was martyered for his faith.  His day of rememberance is usually in the later part of July. 

Dear Saint Christopher, protect me today in all my travels.  Give me a warning sign if danger is near.  Be at my side and direct me when my vision blurs.  Carry me safely to my destination as you carried the Christ child across the river.  See that I am safe.  Amen