Our Saint of the Day should have been called the "Teflon Dan” since nothing seemed to harm him while at war. 🙌
Dear John, John Barker, OFM, a biblical scholar and friar with deep knowledge of the Franciscan tradition, brings up a fascinating and beautiful topic in today's Minute Meditations: the humility of God. It might take a moment for that phrase to sink in. I know it does for me. But it's crucial to our faith. Fortunately for us, Father John Barker is an excellent guide to some of our faith's somewhat esoteric topics. We so often hear how we must humble ourselves before God and how important humility is in our interpersonal relationships. But what about God's humbleness? Father John reminds us that God becoming flesh was an incredible act of humility, coming from the One who was, is, and ever will be. In the "fountain fullness" of God's love and presence, as St. Bonaventure so eloquently put it, there is instant grace, overwhelming joy, and everlasting peace. May we drink from this pure source of holiness today and every day. If you enjoy this newsletter, would you help us customize our resources to suit your needs better by donating to Rebuilding God's Church? We are humbled and honored to create media that hopefully accompanies you on your spiritual journey. Peace and all good! Daniel Imwalle Managing Editor St. Anthony Messenger |
Saint of the Day for February 28:
Daniel Brottier (September 7, 1876 – February 28, 1936) Listen to Blessed Daniel Brottier’s Story Here Daniel spent most of his life in the trenches—one way or another. Born in France in 1876, Daniel was ordained in 1899 and began a teaching career. That didn’t satisfy him long. He wanted to use his zeal for the gospel far beyond the classroom. He joined the missionary Congregation of the Holy Spirit, which sent him to Senegal, West Africa. After eight years there, his health was suffering. He was forced to return to France, where he helped raise funds for the construction of a new cathedral in Senegal. At the outbreak of World War I, Daniel became a volunteer chaplain and spent four years at the front. He did not shrink from his duties. Indeed, he risked his life time and again in ministering to the suffering and dying. It was miraculous that he did not suffer a single wound during his 52 months in the heart of battle. After the war he was invited to help establish a project for orphaned and abandoned children in a Paris suburb. He spent the final 13 years of his life there. He died in 1936 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Paris only 48 years later. Reflection Blessed Daniel might be called “Teflon Dan” since nothing seemed to harm him while in the midst of war. God intended to use him in some pretty wonderful ways for the good of the Church and he willingly served. He is a good example for all of us.
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God’s Humble Heart
God gives us everything we need to attain all of God’s gracious promises. Especially, he gives us himself in the body and blood of his son. In the words of St. Francis, “O how holy and how loving, gratifying, humbling, peace-giving, sweet, worthy of love, and above all things, desirable: to have such a Brother and such a Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,” who offered himself and still offers himself for us. The saint’s words prompt us to consider how we ought to respond to such a great gift, which is, after all, offered to us out of the infinite goodness of God’s humble heart. —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “St. Francis and the Eucharist“
by John Barker, OFM |
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The Blessings of Someone’s Labor
Reflect In the developed world many take the availability of food for granted. We go to the store and are presented with countless choices. Yet behind all that food is the sweat from someone’s hard labor. Let us pray for them today. Pray Almighty and loving Father,
be with those who till the earth.
Guide their hands
and bless their harvest,
that they may reap
the rewards of their labor,
and all may share in their bounty.
Amen. Act If you’re going grocery shopping today, when you get your produce offer this prayer for the farmers who worked the soil. If you aren’t, offer this prayer before your meals. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Clifford Hennings, OFM. Learn more here! |
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