Todays' Minute Meditations encourages us to trade our worldliness in for grace. 🌏
Hello John,
As we reflect on the inspiring story of Saint Matthias, chosen to fill the vacancy left by Judas among the Twelve Apostles, I am reminded of the unpredictable nature of God's plans and the importance of surrendering to His will. Matthias' story challenges us to relinquish our expectations and trust in God's providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Just as Matthias embraced his calling with courage and humility, may we too surrender to God's leading, knowing that His plans far exceed our own. In the midst of life's unpredictability, let us also cultivate a spirit of gratitude, embracing "pop-up" moments of thanksgiving that arise unexpectedly throughout our day. Whether it's a cup of coffee, an open window, or a moment of calm, each blessing reminds us of God's presence in the ordinary moments of life. As we journey alongside Matthias and embrace moments of gratitude, may we find renewed faith and joy in God's abundant love and provision. |
Christopher Meyer
Director of Development |
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Saint of the Day for May 14: Matthias (?-?) Saint Matthias’ Story According to Acts 1:15-26, during the days after the Ascension, Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers—about 120 of Jesus’ followers. Now that Judas had betrayed his ministry, it was necessary, Peter said, to fulfill the scriptural recommendation that another should take his office. “Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection” (Acts 1:21-22). They nominated two men: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. They prayed and drew lots. The choice fell upon Matthias, who was added to the Eleven. Matthias is not mentioned by name anywhere else in the New Testament. Reflection What was the holiness of Matthias? Obviously, he was suited for apostleship by the experience of being with Jesus from his baptism to his ascension. He must also have been suited personally, or he would not have been nominated for so great a responsibility. Must we not remind ourselves that the fundamental holiness of Matthias was his receiving gladly the relationship with the Father offered him by Jesus and completed by the Holy Spirit? If the apostles are the foundations of our faith by their witness, they must also be reminders that holiness is entirely a matter of God’s giving, and it is offered to all, in the everyday circumstances of life. We receive, and even for this God supplies the power of freedom.
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Take Nothing for the Journey No matter what I come to expect, no matter how large and creative I think my imagination is, I always fall short of what God wants to accomplish. We cannot control the mission, and any attempt to cling to what we think we want only serves to slow down our own complete abandonment to Christ’s leadership. If we want to follow Christ, we must let go of every expectation or hope we may have because it will only serve to get in our way. We do not know where we’re going, how to get there, what it will look like, or how long it will take. And that might seem daunting to us at first. But trusting in the fact that God loves us and wants the best for us, we can take solace in one thing: “eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has in store for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). —from Franciscan Spirit‘s “Becoming Radically Open“
by Casey Cole, OFM |
Embrace the inspiring spiritual life of Saint Bonaventure that still resonates today! |
Pop-up Prayers Reflect Some businesses have pop-up breaks or meetings. A food wagon shows up offering fragrant cuisine on different blocks. Pop-up demonstrations surprise us with their energy and brevity. Pop-ups can be fun. Pray You are present
in every moment,
Embracing God,
even those moments
where I myself drift
distracted and distant.
Please listen
to my pop-up prayer:
Thank you
for this cup of coffee.
Thank you
for this open window.
Thank you
for an hour
that flows calmly.
Thank you
for the power of patience.
Thank you
for nudging me
to thank you
at odd moments
and the in-between times
of today.
You give them.
Grace me to pop-up
with a “Thank You.” Act I will be alert today to opportunities to pop-up a prayer of gratitude for gifts I often accept without thanks. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Carol Ann Morrow. Learn more here! |
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