The Basics: Born about 680 in Scotland; died about 713 in the Netherlands; canonized precongregation; feast day, October 23. Laywoman.
The Story: The Lord protects us in many ways. This is a story about a young woman who received that protection in an unusual form.
Oda, it is said, was beautiful, perfect in every way except for her blindness. Concerned, her father, a Scots king, sent her off to visit the Belgian grave of the bishop we know as Saint Lambert, who had died a few years before. Oda spent the night by the grave and when she awoke, found her sight restored. Joyful, she returned home and shared with her father her plan to dedicate her life to Christ as a sign of gratitude.
Her father, however, had other plans. She would be a prize commodity to marry off for political alliances. When he wouldn’t hear her no, Oda left with a servant, first for Italy, then for Belgium and the Netherlands. Wherever she and her servant went, they found themselves beset by magpies.
Eventually, a group of people offered to build a hut for the two women. The magpies were thicker than ever, and Oda planted bushes in hopes of keeping them–and her father and his men–away. Overnight, the bushes grew thick. But they were no match for her father; he still managed to find her hiding space. He had not reckoned on the birds, however, who drove him away, leaving Oda to spend her remaining years in peace and prayer.
What We Can Learn from Oda: What seems to be a nuisance may really be a sign of the Lord’s love and care for us. Are you brushing aside a protection He is offering?
To Learn More About Oda: Read her biography at the DigitalWomen’slexicon of the Netherlands site.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
