It's been said that youth is wasted on the young. That is true for today’s saint. 😇
May 5, 2025
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we conclude our nine-day reflection, we turn to Pope Francis’s legacy as a peacemaker—following in the footsteps of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi. His call to dialogue, reconciliation, and interfaith unity resonates powerfully in our world today. May his vision for a more peaceful and united human family remain alive in us as we move forward.
Day 9
Pope Francis and St. Francis: Models of Peace Inspired by his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis championed peace and interfaith dialogue. His historic visit to the United Arab Emirates and meeting with Muslim leaders underscored his commitment to building bridges between different faiths and promoting global harmony.
Prayer:Lord of Peace, may the soul of Pope Francis rejoice with St. Francis in heaven. Let his peacemaking efforts bear fruit for generations to come, and may we all become instruments of Your peace.
Final Blessing: May the soul of Pope Francis, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. May his life continue to illuminate the Church and the world with love, justice, and faith. Amen.
It’s been said that youth is wasted on the young. In some ways, that was true for today’s saint.
Born in France in the early fifth century, Hilary came from an aristocratic family. In the course of his education he encountered his relative, Honoratus, who encouraged the young man to join him in the monastic life. Hilary did so. He continued to follow in the footsteps of Honoratus as bishop. Hilary was only 29 when he was chosen bishop of Arles.
The new, youthful bishop undertook the role with confidence. He did manual labor to earn money for the poor. He sold sacred vessels to ransom captives. He became a magnificent orator. He traveled everywhere on foot, always wearing simple clothing.
That was the bright side. Hilary encountered difficulty in his relationships with other bishops over whom he had some jurisdiction. He unilaterally deposed one bishop. He selected another bishop to replace one who was very ill–but, to complicate matters, did not die! Pope Saint Leo the Great kept Hilary a bishop but stripped him of some of his powers.
Hilary died at 49. He was a man of talent and piety who in due time, had learned how to be a bishop.
Reflection
Saint Hilary teaches us to respect authority even if found in a young person. Age is not the issue: prudence and wisdom are.
Each path Francis took on his journey to God led him to a single action: praise of God. Through the entire domain of earth, from the glory of daybreak to nightfall’s softened light, Francis praises the Lord. Through all weather, the elements of fire and water and the motherhood of the earth, Francis continues in praise. Sickness and trial give birth to continuing praise.
The inevitable encounter with Sister Death spurs Francis to close his work with praise, blessing and thanksgiving. Everything that happened in Francis’ life fueled the fire of his praise to the Lord.
The weather: It has its effect on my body–and my soul. A dark cloud may mean a welcome rain, but it seldom lifts my spirit to say an Alleluia. I want sunshine.
Pray
I pray by the window and thank you, God of sun and rain, storm and breeze, warmth and chill. I thank you for all of it, for the precarious balance of what you hold in your all-powerful hands. I pray to be open to this hour’s weather– and its influence on my day. I thank you for its benefits and blessings. Help me feel your presence in the temperature, the clouds, the wind, the light. May I accept your gifts always.
Act
Under an umbrella I will say thanks. If the day warrants sunscreen I will say thanks. In all things and all weathers, I will give thanks.
Today's Pause+Pray was written by Carol Ann Morrow. Learn more here!
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