FAITH

Isidore lived a humble life in Madrid, Spain, working the fields for a noble knight who paid him a yearly wage. Instead of rushing to the fields early in the morning to meet the other workers, Isidore would travel to the city, visiting church after church to pray until the evening — only then returning to labor.

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The other workers, frustrated by his tardiness, complained to the knight. Upon hearing these accusations, the knight confronted Isidore harshly. After a moment of silence, Isidore replied:

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  “O most dear and venerable man, under whose dominion I am placed, I admit to you faithfully that I do not wish nor am I able to be separated by any means from the King of kings and [his] flock of saints, and their service. If you fear that, on account of my tardiness in beginning my work that the anticipated yield of your harvest is threatened, according to the judgment of my neighbors, may it please you that I restore, from my own [crops] whatever there may be in the way of a loss. I beseech your honor that, as long as I carry out the service of my Lord without depriving you of the use [of my labor], you will hold nothing serious against me.” 

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Curious, the knight decided to spy on Isidore for a day. The knight rose early and observed Isidore traveling to the city to visit the churches. Once the hour grew late, the knight observed Isidore arrive tardy to work. Stirred with anger, the knight began to make his way to reprimand Isidore, but just as he was approaching, he saw two radiant white oxen, yoking and plowing the fields beside Isidore with great intensity. Divine assistance had taken up the labor.

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The knight, moved and humbled, withdrew all accusations, gave Isidore charge over his fields, and spread the story of this miracle — as many still do to this day.
 

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