Enjoy today's Minute Meditation inspired by Padre Pio! đ
Hello John,
As we reflect on the story of Matt, a man who struggled with alcoholism but found the strength to turn his life around through faith and perseverance, we are reminded of the power of redemption and the impact of dedicated individuals of faith in our communities. I encourage you to consider supporting Franciscan Media as we strive to provide assistance and resources to individuals facing similar challenges. Your generous donation will enable us to continue our mission of offering resources to those in need. Thank you for your consideration and support. Donate today! |
Saint of the Day for June 18: Matt Talbot
Venerable Matt Talbotâs story Matt can be considered the patron of men and women struggling with alcoholism. He was born in Dublin, where his father worked on the docks and had a difficult time supporting his family. After a few years of schooling, Matt obtained work as a messenger for some liquor merchants; there he began to drink excessively. For 15 yearsâuntil he was almost 30âMatt was an active alcoholic. One day he decided to take âthe pledgeâ for three months, make a general confession and begin to attend daily Mass. There is evidence that Mattâs first seven years after taking the pledge were especially difficult. Avoiding his former drinking places was hard. He began to pray as intensely as he used to drink. He also tried to pay back people from whom he had borrowed or stolen money while he was drinking. Most of his life Matt worked as a builderâs laborer. He joined the Secular Franciscan Order and began a life of strict penance; he abstained from meat nine months a year. Matt spent hours every night avidly reading Scripture and the lives of the saints. He prayed the rosary conscientiously. Though his job did not make him rich, Matt contributed generously to the missions. After 1923, Mattâs health failed, and he was forced to quit work. He died on his way to church on Trinity Sunday. Fifty years later, Pope Paul VI gave Matt Talbot the title venerable. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 19. Reflection In looking at the life of Matt Talbot, we may easily focus on the later years when he had stopped drinking for some time and was leading a penitential life. Only alcoholic men and women who have stopped drinking can fully appreciate how difficult the earliest years of sobriety were for Matt. He had to take one day at a time. So do the rest of us. Venerable Matt Talbot is the Patron Saint of: Alcoholics
Recovery from Substance Abuse and Addictions
Sobriety
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Joy Is Born of Happiness Joy is born of happiness at possessing what we love. Now, from the moment at which the soul knows God, it is naturally led to love him. If the soul follows this natural impulse, which is caused by the Holy Spirit, it is already loving the Supreme Good. This fortunate soulâŠpossesses the beautiful virtue of love. By loving God the soul is certain of possessing him. When a person loves money, honors, and good health, unfortunately he does not always possess what he loves, whereas he who loves God possesses him at once. âfrom the book The Joyful Spirit of Padre Pio: Stories, Letters, and Prayers
by Patricia Treece |
Moments of Silence Reflect Philosopher Alfred North Whitehead asserts that religion begins with times of solitude. Life is social but we also need to get away. We need moments each day to pause and be still so that we can hear Godâs voice amid the chaos and complexity of our lives. Peace is just a moment away for those who take time to be still and know that God is with us. You can find peace on a busy day by taking a few moments in the morning and evening for prayer and contemplation and pausing throughout to go inward to experience Godâs inspiration and peach in your life. Peace is just a moment away. Pray God of silence and storm,
You are present each moment of my life,
In solitude and in a crowd.
Still, I need moments of quiet to listen for your still small voice
Speaking within the events of my life.
Help me find a quiet place each day to calm my spirit
So that might return to the world as an instrument of your peace.
Amen. Act Today, set aside several minutes for solitude. Realizing that solitude is a challenge for those with responsibilities at home and work, inventory your day to find moments when you can be alone. Pause and breathe deeply Godâs presence. Pray for your loved ones and responsibilities. Then return with a spirit of spaciousness, patience, and helpfulness for everyone you meet. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Bruce Epperly. Learn more here! |
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