Enjoy today's Pause+Pray about grace and reconciliation. ✌️
Dear John,
The life of St. Joseph of Cupertino is truly inspirational. Despite facing difficulties in his studies and feeling forsaken by God at times, he remained humble, patient, and obedient. His tendency to levitate during prayer was both a gift and a cross, yet he persevered in his faith. Joseph's dedication to prayer and his selfless nature serve as an example for us all. We hope we inspire your faith with the stories of these saints and holy people, along with Minute Meditations and Pause+Pray to help you in your prayer life. May these resources renew your spirit today! Donate now. |
Saint of the Day for September 18: Joseph of Cupertino (June 17, 1603 – September 18, 1663) Listen to Saint Joseph of Cupertino’s Story Joseph of Cupertino is most famous for levitating at prayer. Already as a child, Joseph showed a fondness for prayer. After a short career with the Capuchins, he joined the Conventual Franciscans. Following a brief assignment caring for the friary mule, Joseph began his studies for the priesthood. Though studies were very difficult for him, Joseph gained a great deal of knowledge from prayer. He was ordained in 1628. Joseph’s tendency to levitate during prayer was sometimes a cross; some people came to see this much as they might have gone to a circus sideshow. Joseph’s gift led him to be humble, patient, and obedient, even though at times he was greatly tempted and felt forsaken by God. He fasted and wore iron chains for much of his life. The friars transferred Joseph several times for his own good and for the good of the rest of the community. He was reported to and investigated by the Inquisition; the examiners exonerated him. Joseph was canonized in 1767. In the investigation preceding the canonization, 70 incidents of levitation are recorded. Reflection While levitation is an extraordinary sign of holiness, Joseph is also remembered for the ordinary signs he showed. He prayed even in times of inner darkness, and he lived out the Sermon on the Mount. He used his “unique possession”–his free will–to praise God and to serve God’s creation. Saint Joseph of Cupertino is the Patron Saint of: Air Travelers
Astronauts
Pilots
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Listen to inspirational insights by authors like Bruce Epperly on Franciscan Media's podcast! Theology is simply loving God
with your mind.—Bruce Epperly |
God Acts Out of Love John Duns Scotus insisted on the absolute and perfect freedom of God to love and forgive as God chooses, which is the core meaning of grace. Such a God could not be bound by some supposedly offended justice. For Scotus, the incarnation of God and the redemption of the world could not be a mere reaction to human sinfulness, but in fact the exact, free, and proactive work of God from the very beginning. We were “chosen in Christ before the world was made,” as Paul says in Ephesians (1:4). Sin or problems could not be the motive for divine incarnation, but only perfect love! The Christ Mystery was the very blueprint of reality from the very start (John 1:1). God’s first “idea” was to pour out divine infinite love into finite, visible forms. The Big Bang is our scientific name for that first idea, “Christ” is our theological name, and it is all about love exploding itself out in all directions. For Scotus, God never merely reacts but always supremely and freely acts, and acts totally out of love. —from the book Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi
by Richard Rohr |
Now available! Advent 2024 Daily Reflections with Saint Padre Pio St. Pio’s daily example as a follower of Christ helps guide readers through a reflective and prayer-filled Advent season. (limited quantities available) |
Mercy in the Face of Betrayal Reflect Betrayal is a painful and deeply unsettling experience, one that challenges us to confront our own vulnerability and to navigate the complex terrain of human relationships with courage and grace. When we experience betrayal, our first instinct may be to respond with anger, resentment, or a desire for revenge. Yet, as Franciscans, we are called to rise above these impulses and to seek healing and reconciliation instead. Inspired by the example of St. Francis, who forgave those who wronged him and embraced the way of peace and reconciliation, we are called to extend the same spirit of forgiveness and mercy to those who have betrayed us. Pray Loving God,
Help us to embrace the challenge of dealing with betrayal with courage, humility, and compassion, trusting that your grace is sufficient to heal even the deepest wounds.
Help us approach every situation with a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation,
knowing that through our own vulnerability and brokenness,
you can bring about beauty, healing, and new life.
We make this prayer, through Christ our Lord.
Amen. Act Offer a prayer for healing and reconciliation, asking God to help you find the courage and strength to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you. Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Paul Lipowski. Learn more here! |
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