Today we remember and give thanks for Anselm of
Canterbury. Born in Italy in 1033, Anselm is most closely associated with
England, where he served as Archbishop of Canterbury for many years. A
brilliant scholar and writer, Anselm used his political skills with the British
kings on behalf of the established Christian church, affirming that it is the
leadership of the church and not the state which has the responsibility of
establishing structure and maintaining order among the clergy. Anselm is
especially remembered for his classic book, Why God Became Man, which
taught that the reason for the incarnation was that Jesus, the Son of God,
would suffer and die in place of sinners.
Almighty God,
you give the gift of teachers to your Church.
We praise you for the gifts of grace manifested in your servant Anselm,
and we pray that your Church may never be destitute of such gifts; through
Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and forever.
(Treasury of
Daily Prayer, 1290)
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