St. Joan of Arc

I just finished watching the Joan of Arc movie, which is surprisingly historically sound. (Or so I hear.) Her story never ceases to amaze me - the parallels between St. Joan and Christ are interesting - and not exactly inconsequential. Both were put to death as sinners, as blasphemers - Joan was both martyred and canonized (500 years later) by the Church. Interestingly enough, all the Church websites about her still dance around the word martyr. Joan asked to see a crucifix placed before her eyes while she burned.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your faithful shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,
and tell of your power,
to make known to all people your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words,
and gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling,
and raises up all who are bowed down.

-Psalm 145: 8-14

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light Rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, to ask what you would have us do; that the spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, that in your light we may see light, and in your straight paths may not stumble, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.