Of today's saint you can say: He possessed nothing and lacked nothing. In total poverty he possessed all things. 🙌
March 31, 2025
Dear John,
When the worries of the world weigh you down, where do you go? What do you do? Sometimes a walk can soothe my heart, but a surefire pick-me-up is the wisdom of the saints. This blog is my go-to for inspiration, and this quote in particular registered with me today, "Pray, hope, and don't worry." Padre Pio was known to write verbose letters to friends and family—and yet these five words encapsulate his life and mission perfectly.
This week I will be calling upon the wisdom of the saints for guidance. In the meantime, our hope for you is to pray, hope, and don't worry. ✝️
A “do not disturb” sign helped today’s saint find holiness and peace.
Stephen of Mar Saba was the nephew of Saint John Damascene, who introduced the young boy to monastic life beginning at age 10. When he reached 24, Stephen served the community in a variety of ways, including guest master. After some time he asked permission to live a hermit’s life. The answer from the abbot was yes and no: Stephen could follow his preferred lifestyle during the week, but on weekends he was to offer his skills as a counselor. Stephen placed a note on the door of his cell: “Forgive me, Fathers, in the name of the Lord, but please do not disturb me except on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Despite his calling to prayer and quiet, Stephen displayed uncanny skills with people and was a valued spiritual guide.
His biographer and disciple wrote about Stephen: “Whatever help, spiritual or material, he was asked to give, he gave. He received and honored all with the same kindness. He possessed nothing and lacked nothing. In total poverty he possessed all things.”
Stephen died in 794.
Reflection
Saint Stephen of Mar Saba knew the value of solitude. Even though he was generous and served whoever came to him, he relished his time alone. Maybe we can learn from him the value of solitude and seek it out a little more in our lives.
St. Francis of Assisi understood the spiritual and psychological toll that life could bring. His tired feet carried him to faraway lands to spread the Gospel, and yet he craved solitude so acutely he would hide out in caves to recharge. Understandable given the task laid before him: He was a repository of the good news and a channel by which that news spread to the world. Little wonder he craved solitude!
None of his life’s work would have been possible without a vibrant and complex prayer life. Through prayer, he celebrated the world around him, it is where he longed for peace, and it was how he embraced his own mortality. Prayer was both Francis’ compass and his destination: his every step and his journey’s end. It was more than communion with the divine. It was a sacred call to action.
This inspiring reference book presents a comprehensive overview of the rich history, notable figures, and places, and essential texts that embody the Franciscan tradition.
Who hasn’t felt as if they are on the outside looking in? Who among us hasn’t felt dejected or neglected? May this prayer be your reminder today that you are loved no matter how far you’ve strayed.
Pray
Good Shepherd, True to form, I am the sheep who has wandered. Unwelcomed by the collective, unloved by the masses, I have broken away and now I am lost. But I will not panic because I know you will find me. carry me close, ease my worry, and soothe my heavy heart. When I feel unloved, I know you love me. When I feel ignored, I know you hear me. Patient Shepherd, find me in the darkness and bring me home. Amen.
Act
Share this prayer with somebody who feels isolated and embittered. Sometimes a prayerful word can be the start of their journey back to God.
Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Christopher Heffron. Learn more here!
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