Dear Friend, When kids are young, we revel in their creativity and imagination. Over time, though, they seem to lose that gift of imagination, trading it for the more practical ways of thought. But we don't have to. It is only through imagination that we have been able to come up with some of the world's greatest achievements. Far too often, we tend to ask "why?" when we should be asking "why not?" Today's Minute Meditation, taken from Franciscan Media's Off the Page podcast, dives into the topic of Catholic imagination with Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, PhD. I love her take on the Catholic imagination, pointing out that we have such a treasure trove of things in our faith, such as Bible stories and the lives of saints, to spark creativity. The podcast is a great reminder to be open to our imagination. Off the Page offers a wide range of conversations with leading experts on various Catholic and faith topics. Those conversations are only possible, though, because of our donors. Click here to donate and help us continue to imagine new content to share with you. May God give you peace! Susan Hines-Brigger Executive Editor |
Saint of the Day for July 7: Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions (1804 – 1860) Listen to Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions’ Story Here Not much is known of the early life of Emmanuel Ruiz, but details of his heroic death in defense of the faith have come down to us. Born of humble parents in Santander, Spain, he became a Franciscan priest and served as a missionary in Damascus. This was at a time when anti-Christian riots shook Syria and thousands lost their lives in just a short time. Among these were Emmanuel, superior of the Franciscan convent, seven other friars, and three laymen. When a menacing crowd came looking for the men, they refused to renounce their faith and become Muslims. The men were subjected to horrible tortures before their martyrdom. Emmanuel, his brother Franciscans and the three Maronite laymen were beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1926. Reflection The Church in Syria has known persecution throughout its history. Yet it has produced saints whose blood was shed for the faith. Let us pray for the Church in Syria.
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Revelations of Grace Catholics live in an enchanted world, a world of statues and holy water, stained glass and votive candles, saints and religious medals, rosary beads and holy pictures. But these Catholic paraphernalia are mere hints of a deeper and more pervasive religious sensibility, which inclines Catholics to see the holy lurking in creation. As Catholics, we find our houses and our world haunted by a sense that the objects, events, and persons of daily life are revelations of grace. —from Franciscan Media’s Off the Page
with host Stephen Copeland, featuring Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, PhD |
Discomfort Zone Reflect Here is a central paradox of Christianity: On one hand, God and the Church are our fortress and our rock, our place of belonging, safe refuge, and comfort. On the other hand, growing in faith also means moving into our “discomfort zone”: toward what is new, different, and difficult. God doesn’t promise to keep us from all harm in such adventures and challenges—only that God will always, always, always be with us in them. Pray Wild and wonderful God,
Lead us from the temptation
of needing everything to be safe and predictable.
Give us the courage we need
to step out of the boat, to walk on stormy seas,
and find you there, loving us,
right in the midst of everything that turns our world upside down. Act God has created us to be able to do hard things, and getting comfortable with discomfort is an essential skill of the spiritual warrior. Several times a week, choose to do things that stretch you: the difficult conversation, the vigorous exercise, the learning or doing of something unfamiliar and challenging. Visit your discomfort zone regularly—then return back to the place of rest, safety, and recovery. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Kyle Kramer. Learn more here! |
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