Today’s Minute Meditation reminds us that prayer isn’t just about speaking—it’s about trusting. Trusting that God hears, and even more, that God responds in His perfect time and way. As someone who has prayed many bold, sometimes tearful prayers and waited in silence, I’ve learned that trust isn’t passive. It’s an active, daily surrender. It’s continuing to show up and believe—even when the answers look different than we hoped.
That’s why Franciscan Media exists: to walk with people in their prayer. Our digital ministry isn’t just about content—it’s about connection. We want to be the gentle presence that reminds someone that God hasn’t forgotten them. That they can trust Him. And that they don’t have to walk alone. If that’s a mission you want to be part of, we’d be honored to walk with you, too.
Thank you for walking this week with me. I am so grateful to serve you.
Burned at the stake as a heretic after a politically-motivated trial, Joan was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920.
Born of a fairly well-to-do peasant couple in Domremy-Greux southeast of Paris, Joan was only 12 when she experienced a vision and heard voices that she later identified as Saints Michael the Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria, and Margaret of Antioch.
During the Hundred Years War, Joan led French troops against the English and recaptured the cities of Orléans and Troyes. This enabled Charles VII to be crowned as king in Reims in 1429. Captured near Compiegne the following year, Joan was sold to the English and placed on trial for heresy and witchcraft. Professors at the University of Paris supported Bishop Pierre Cauchon of Beauvis, the judge at her trial; Cardinal Henry Beaufort of Winchester, England, participated in the questioning of Joan in prison. In the end, she was condemned for wearing men’s clothes. The English resented France’s military success–to which Joan contributed.
On this day in 1431, Joan was burned at the stake in Rouen, and her ashes were scattered in the Seine River. A second Church trial 25 years later nullified the earlier verdict, which was reached under political pressure.
Remembered by most people for her military exploits, Joan had a great love for the sacraments, which strengthened her compassion toward the poor. Popular devotion to her increased greatly in 19th-century France and later among French soldiers during World War I. Theologian George Tavard writes that her life “offers a perfect example of the conjunction of contemplation and action” because her spiritual insight is that there should be a “unity of heaven and earth.”
Joan of Arc has been the subject of many books, plays, operas and movies.
Reflection
“Joan of Arc is like a shooting star across the landscape of French and English history, amid the stories of the Church’s saints and into our consciousness. Women identify with her; men admire her courage. She challenges us in fundamental ways. Despite the fact that more than 500 years have passed since she lived, her issues of mysticism, calling, identity, trust and betrayal, conflict and focus are our issues still.” (Joan of Arc: God’s Warrior by Barbara Beckwith)
In intercessory prayer, I speak to God on behalf of another and their petition, be it a person, situation, or a community. In this way, reflecting on someone else and interceding for them is a manifestation of genuine love for another. Intercessory prayer also reminds me that I am not in charge, that more often than not, there is nothing that I can “do” for someone in need.
But intercession is not only praying for someone else’s needs. It is holding that person or situation in prayer—with trust and confidence that God will take care of all, and that whatever happens next, it will all be well. It’s an intimate petition to our Father in heaven. This is praying to the Father as Jesus did.
I have to admit, sometimes the ringing in my ears can get pretty annoying. In the morning, when I first wake up, it seems particularly pronounced. Tinnitus is the official name for this condition, and for me, it’s related to hearing loss. My hearing issues are hereditary, and though mild and gradual, they’re irreversible. But as my hearing has diminished over time, the drive to listen to what’s going on around me, to truly absorb and comprehend, has not. Knowing that my hearing is not a given in my life has led to me having deeper experiences with sound—music, especially. It’s also a reminder to me that all is a gift in life, even when it seems to be the opposite. And as it turns out, I don’t need perfect hearing to identify God’s voice in my life.
Pray
Lord, I may not catch every syllable spoken to me, But I hear your voice in the people I meet today. Grant me the wisdom to move beyond mere hearing And lean into listening, which is like hearing with the heart. May the understanding I gain from listening Help me better serve you and follow the path you set for me. Amen.
Act
Do you or someone you know struggle with hearing, vision, or some other physical challenge? Consider checking out the work of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, an organization dedicated to better integrating those with disabilities in the life of the Church.
Today's Pause+Pray was written by Daniel Imwalle. Learn more here!
