Our Saint of the Day became archbishop of Magdeburg in central Germany, a territory half pagan and half Christian. ✝️
Hello John,
God offers examples through the lives of the saints like St. Norbert that remind us that God’s time is not our time. We can set out to do many things today and in our lives, but all that God asks from us is to say yes when we are invited. I hope God speaks to your heart through today’s email. As a disciple, I am called to share this message with friends, family, or anyone who needs to receive it. Will you join me in this work? Donate today! |
Saint of the Day for June 6: Norbert Saint Norbert’s Story In the 12th century in the French region of Premontre, Saint Norbert founded a religious Order known as the Praemonstratensians or the Norbertines. His founding of the Order was a monumental tasks: combating rampant heresies—particularly regarding the Blessed Sacrament, revitalizing many of the faithful who had grown indifferent and dissolute, plus effecting peace and reconciliation among enemies. Norbert entertained no pretensions about his own ability to accomplish this multiple task. Even with the aid of a goodly number of men who joined his Order, he realized that nothing could be effectively done without God’s power. Finding this help especially in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, he and his Norbertines praised God for success in converting heretics, reconciling numerous enemies, and rebuilding faith in indifferent believers. Many of them lived in central houses during the week and served in parishes on weekends. Reluctantly, Norbert became archbishop of Magdeburg in central Germany, a territory half pagan and half Christian. In this position he zealously and courageously continued his work for the Church until his death on June 6, 1134. Reflection A different world cannot be built by indifferent people. The same is true in regard to the Church. The indifference of vast numbers of nominal faithful to ecclesiastical authority and essential doctrines of the faith weakens the Church’s witness. Unswerving loyalty to the Church and fervent devotion to the Eucharist, as practiced by Norbert, will continue immeasurably toward maintaining the people of God in accord with the heart of Christ.
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A Franciscan classic by one of today's top spiritual teachers, Ilia Delio! The Humility of God: A Franciscan Perspective. |
Love Pours Forth When I once preached on the wedding feast at Cana, I suggested that the six stone jars had a moral interpretation: six ways to purify the soul. Today, I want to offer another moral interpretation. Today I see the six jars as testimony to the hope that Jesus’s “hour” will come: His time and our time will converge. We, too, will have reason for a feast! Each jar is one part of that faithful filling of yourself so that the Lord will come to reveal his glory poured out in you. Fix your eyes and your mind on each jar in turn so that the eternal God can reveal love bubbling up in you.
—from the book A Retreat with Saint Anthony: Finding Our Way
by Carol Ann Morrow
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Discover this Franciscan classic by one of today's top spiritual teachers, Ilia Delio! The Humility of God: A Franciscan Perspective. |
I Want the Light
Reflect
In John 3:19, we read, “The light came into the world, but the people preferred darkness to light.”
Pray Dear Jesus,
Because of your sacrifice on the cross, we do not need to fear the light.
You have brought all our sins into the light of salvation.
We can come to you and receive tenderness and forgiveness
instead of judgment and condemnation.
Our sins do not define us or keep us in the dark.
We can walk in the light, Jesus, because we are yours.
Amen. Act Spend a few minutes today basking in the light. It can be the sunshine outdoors or the table lamp at your desk. Concentrate on the sensation of the brightness in your eyes and, if possible, the warmth it provides. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Colleen Arnold, MD. Learn more here! |
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