Dear John, This time of year, many of us are looking for ways to make changes in our lives. What those changes are can vary from person to person. Perhaps it's to exercise more or eat better. For some, it may be a desire to reconnect with and reignite his or her faith. We here at Franciscan Media want to help with that last one. Our daily offerings, such as Saint the Day, Minute Meditations, and Pause+Pray, can help you take the first step. On our website, we offer thousands of pages of content that can help you dig even deeper into your faith. If you find that these daily messages feed your spirit, please consider making a gift to Franciscan Media so we can continue to offer content to help you on your faith journey. Donate today! And may God give you peace! Susan Hines-Brigger Executive Editor |
Saint of the Day for January 13:
Hilary of Poitiers (c. 315 – c. 368) Listen to Saint Hilary of Poitiers’ Story Here This staunch defender of the divinity of Christ was a gentle and courteous man, devoted to writing some of the greatest theology on the Trinity, and was like his Master in being labeled a “disturber of the peace.” In a very troubled period in the Church, his holiness was lived out in both scholarship and controversy. He was bishop of Poitiers in France. Raised a pagan, he was converted to Christianity when he met his God of nature in the Scriptures. His wife was still living when he was chosen, against his will, to be the bishop of Poitiers in France. He was soon taken up with battling what became the scourge of the fourth century, Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. The heresy spread rapidly. Saint Jerome said “The world groaned and marveled to find that it was Arian.” When Emperor Constantius ordered all the bishops of the West to sign a condemnation of Athanasius, the great defender of the faith in the East, Hilary refused and was banished from France to far off Phrygia. Eventually he was called the “Athanasius of the West.” While writing in exile, he was invited by some semi-Arians (hoping for reconciliation) to a council the emperor called to counteract the Council of Nicea. But Hilary predictably defended the Church, and when he sought public debate with the heretical bishop who had exiled him, the Arians, dreading the meeting and its outcome, pleaded with the emperor to send this troublemaker back home. Hilary was welcomed by his people. Reflection Christ said his coming would bring not peace but a sword (see Matthew 10:34). The Gospels offer no support for us if we fantasize about a sunlit holiness that knows no problems. Christ did not escape at the last moment, though he did live happily ever after—after a life of controversy, problems, pain and frustration. Hilary, like all saints, simply had more of the same
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Prayer Is Never Ours Perhaps the most beautiful truth about prayer is that it is never really ours. We do not control its dimensions, its scope, or even its productivity. We may grab our rosary beads, drag ourselves to Mass, recite the psalms five times a day as we have promised, or pray the words of our favorite chaplet, but the impetus is always from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit uses the various forms of prayer by which we approach God in order to instruct, strengthen, and nourish us. The Spirit is the living water Jesus promised the Samaritan woman. Through the movement of the rosary beads, the rhythm of the liturgy, the familiarity of the psalms, and other modes of Christian prayer, we stir up the living water who, in turn, gathers all we long to say and need to say when presenting us to the Father. —from the book Prayer Everywhere: The Spiritual Life Made Simple
by Fr. Gary Caster |
A Deepened Relationship with God Pause Prayer is the cornerstone of Franciscan life, fostering a deep relationship with God. St. Francis spent hours in prayer, seeking God’s presence and guidance. By dedicating time to prayer, we can draw closer to God and align our lives with his will. Pray God of prayer,
Draw us closer to you through our moments of prayer.
Help us to seek your presence daily and to listen for your guidance.
May we, like St. Francis, find strength and direction in our time spent with you.
Amen. Act Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer. Use this time to connect with God, express your gratitude, and seek God’s guidance. Encourage others to join you in prayer, fostering a community of spiritual growth. Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Paul Lipowski. Learn more here! |
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