Dear Friends in Christ, Today, on Day 7, we reflect on one of Pope Francis’s most iconic and challenging teachings: Who am I to judge? With these five words, he invited the Church to embrace mercy and to meet every person with compassion, not condemnation. As we pray today, may we seek to live this radical mercy in our own hearts and relationships. Day 7 "Who Am I to Judge?"
One of Pope Francis’s most notable statements, "Who am I to judge?" highlighted his commitment to mercy and non-judgment. He emphasized the importance of understanding and compassion over condemnation, reflecting the inclusive nature of his ministry.
Prayer: Merciful God, teach us not to judge but to welcome. Let Pope Francis’s spirit of inclusion guide us to build a Church where all are received with open hearts. |
Saint of the Day for May 1:
Joseph the Worker Listen to the Story of Saint Joseph the Worker Here To foster deep devotion to Saint Joseph among Catholics, and in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker in 1955. This feast extends the long relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers in both Catholic faith and devotion. Beginning in the Book of Genesis, the dignity of human work has long been celebrated as a participation in the creative work of God. By work, humankind both fulfills the command found in Genesis to care for the earth (Gn 2:15) and to be productive in their labors. Saint Joseph, the carpenter and foster father of Jesus, is but one example of the holiness of human labor. Jesus, too, was a carpenter. He learned the trade from Saint Joseph and spent his early adult years working side-by-side in Joseph’s carpentry shop before leaving to pursue his ministry as preacher and healer. In his encyclical Laborem Exercens, Pope John Paul II stated: “the Church considers it her task always to call attention to the dignity and rights of those who work, to condemn situations in which that dignity and those rights are violated, and to help to guide [social] changes so as to ensure authentic progress by man and society.” Saint Joseph is held up as a model of such work. Pius XII emphasized this when he said, “The spirit flows to you and to all men from the heart of the God-man, Savior of the world, but certainly, no worker was ever more completely and profoundly penetrated by it than the foster father of Jesus, who lived with Him in closest intimacy and community of family life and work.” Reflection To capture the devotion to Saint Joseph within the Catholic liturgy, in 1870, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph the patron of the universal Church. In 1955, Pope Pius XII added the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. This silent saint, who was given the noble task of caring and watching over the Virgin Mary and Jesus, now cares for and watches over the Church and models for all the dignity of human work.
|
Joseph the Righteous In Joseph, who decided to send Mary away without disgracing her, we find the essence of what it means to be righteous. It turns out that righteousness, far from being a cold, calculating devotion to justice, is a warm, faithful virtue that always seeks merciful justice and just mercy. As we celebrate the saints who have shown us God’s holiness in so many ways, may we be especially grateful to St. Joseph, the righteous man, whose example encourages us to seek always to “live the truth in love” (Eph 4:15). —from St. Anthony Messenger’s “St. Joseph: Man of Virtue“
by John R. Barker, OFM |
Breathe In Peace Reflect St. Francis of Assisi endured similar challenges we face today: societal instability, apathy, and health issues that threatened his ministry. In times of struggle, let us look to his example. Pray God of countless graces,
Your beloved, Francis,
was no stranger to a difficult life.
Yet he was fixed on the light and the end of the tunnel.
He turned to you when he was
lonely, imprisoned, sick, and tired,
because he understood that no
malady was beyond your
ability to heal.
Let me model his fearless
surrender to your will.
Let me follow the path he laid
because it leads to you.
Amen. Act Be still. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Inhale, exhale, pray, repeat. Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Christopher Heffron. Learn more here! |
|
