Today's saint could be patron of the overwhelmed! 😥
Dear John, The quote for today is powerful! “As I hope in you, O Lord, inspire me with that confidence, which brings me to your holy mountain.” Agnes of Assisi isn't as well known as her older sister, Clare, but she has wisdom of her own to share! My prayer for you today is that you set aside your worries and continue your journey to the mountain. God is waiting! ✝️
Peace!
Christopher Heffron
Editorial Director |
Saint of the Day for April 1:
Hugh of Grenoble (1053 – April 1, 1132) Listen to Saint Hugh of Grenoble’s Story Here Today’s saint could be a patron for those of us who feel so overwhelmed by all the problems in the world that we don’t know where to begin. Hugh, who served as a bishop in France for 52 years, had his work cut out for him from the start. Corruption seemed to loom in every direction: the buying and selling of Church offices, violations of clerical celibacy, lay control of Church property, religious indifference and/or ignorance. After serving as bishop for two years, he’d had his fill. He tried disappearing to a monastery, but the pope called him back to continue the work of reform. Ironically, Hugh was reasonably effective in the role of reformer—surely because of his devotion to the Church but also because of his strong character. In conflicts between Church and state he was an unflinching defender of the Church. He fearlessly supported the papacy. He was eloquent as a preacher. He restored his own cathedral, made civic improvements in the town, and weathered a brief exile. Hugh may be best known as patron and benefactor of Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order. He died in 1132, and was canonized only two years later. Reflection In the midst of our confusing life these days, let us pray for the ability to rise above the fray and to see things in the light of faith as did Saint Hugh.
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Freedom in God
The Lord’s encounter with the man born blind (Jn 9:1–41) prompts us to contemplate: How blind are we to many of the situations around us? Are we too caught up in our own little worlds? Is our perspective far too myopic? When Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead he tells the crowd, “Untie him and let him go” (Jn 11:44c). How are we chained to the past—injuries inflicted or received, failures, disappointments? Jesus can free us if we allow him to act. On Palm Sunday, we read the passion, forcing us to ask how we have added to Jesus’ burden as he walks bravely to Golgotha and the cross. What can we do as ministers to lighten the burden of others? —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “Lent Gives ‘Spring Training’ A Whole New Meaning“
by Richard Gribble, CSC |
Embrace the Franciscan Spirit! This inspiring reference book presents a comprehensive overview of the rich history, notable figures, and places, and essential texts that embody the Franciscan tradition. Franciscan Field Guide: People, Places, Practices, and Prayers |
God’s Grandeur Reflect My third-grade granddaughter’s science essay delighted me: a picture of her pointing to her head and words that explained why her brain is the most important part of her body. She reasoned that no other organ affected all the other parts of her body. She vowed to use her brain to the fullest “so I can be as smart as my mom and dad.” Pray Creating God,
Too often I forget to feel wonder at your marvelous creations.
Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poetic line sums it up:
“The world is charged with the grandeur of God”—
not just the physical world, but each human being—
from toenails to joints and muscles,
and, as my granddaughter reminds me, the human brain. Act Take a little time to rediscover God today: in the intricacies of a budding tree, the sweep of the wind, a smile on the face of a stranger, or in the creativity of a child. Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Elizabeth Bookser Barkley, PhD.
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