Joan was born to a pesant family in 1416.  When she was 14 she heard voices from heaven.  Saint Michael, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and Saint Margaret gave Joan the mission to save France.  She protested that she was a young girl who couldn’t ride or fight, but the saints told her that the mission was from God and she would have to trust him.  Against all expectations, Joan was given sholdiers and led an assult on the Brittish camped outside Orleans.  Her campaign was a success.  After spending some time at court, she took the army to Compiegne.  This attack was unsuccessful.  She was caught by the Brittish and burned as a witch. She died gazing at a cross with Jesus’ name on her lips.

Joan, you know better than anyone that sometimes what God asks of us is intimidating; not because He asks to much, but because we don’t trust enough.  Pray that saints and angels may surround us as we take up our crosses, just as they surrounded you as you took up your banner.  In Christ’s name, Amen.