Dear John, Author Maureen O'Brien, whose words are featured below in today's Minute Meditations, is one of my favorite authors among the many who contribute to Franciscan Media and St. Anthony Messenger. She is a trusted storyteller with a poetic flair who continually inspires and enriches us with her reflections on love, death, addiction, letting go, and so many other impactful topics. Today, Maureen unpacks the difficult issue of betrayal. When she digs into this from the Franciscan perspective, she shares a crucial—yet often overlooked—fact: We can heal, both as victims and as perpetrators. And we can heal together. It's better that way. In fact, Maureen points out that death, in the end, is not a betrayal of life, but rather its next natural and spiritual step. This is partially how St. Francis was not only able to tolerate Sister Death, but to celebrate "her." Now that's Franciscan joy! If you enjoy these daily inspirations sent to your inbox every morning, we humbly ask you to consider donating to Franciscan Media today to help us in Rebuilding God's Church. Without your help, our work is not possible. And please know that we will continue to pray for you every day during morning prayer. Peace and all good! Daniel Imwalle Managing Editor St. Anthony Messenger |
Saint of the Day for February 25:
Sebastian of Aparicio (January 20, 1502 – February 25, 1600) Listen to Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio’s Story Here Sebastian’s roads and bridges connected many distant places. His final bridge-building was to help men and women recognize their God-given dignity and destiny. Sebastian’s parents were Spanish peasants. At the age of 31, he sailed to Mexico, where he began working in the fields. Eventually he built roads to facilitate agricultural trading and other commerce. His 466-mile road from Mexico City to Zacatecas took 10 years to build and required careful negotiations with the indigenous peoples along the way. In time Sebastian was a wealthy farmer and rancher. At the age of 60, he entered a virginal marriage. His wife’s motivation may have been a large inheritance; his was to provide a respectable life for a girl without even a modest marriage dowry. When his first wife died, he entered another virginal marriage for the same reason; his second wife also died young. At the age of 72, Sebastian distributed his goods among the poor and entered the Franciscans as a brother. Assigned to the large (100-member) friary at Puebla de los Angeles south of Mexico City, Sebastian went out collecting alms for the friars for the next 25 years. His charity to all earned him the nickname “Angel of Mexico.” Sebastian was beatified in 1787 and is known as a patron of travelers. Reflection According to the Rule of Saint Francis, the friars were to work for their daily bread. Sometimes, however, their work would not provide for their needs; for example, working with people suffering from leprosy brought little or no pay. In cases such as these, the friars were allowed to beg, always keeping in mind the admonition of Francis to let their good example commend them to the people. The life of the prayerful Sebastian drew many closer to God. Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio is the Patron Saint of: Travelers
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‘Hurt Hearts Can Heal’
The truth is, no matter the depth of any faith or trust in God, we betray one another and are betrayed. It adds up, and we shut down, crossing our arms tightly in self-protection. Betrayal is one of the hardest things to experience. Gazing upon the cross of San Damiano, Francis saw the risen Christ who transcended it. Holding doves, Francis offers a gentle possibility: “Praised be you, my Lord God, with all your creatures.” Hurt hearts can heal. We can strengthen the wings of hope, no matter where we are on our journey. It was all one for Francis. He barreled ahead with an unfailing love, like a wind that still lifts those of us who are broken. For me, the way that St. Francis kept his arms open to all life, and accepted death within this embrace, is the most extraordinary aspect of his continual gift to us. This “holy fool” took it head-on, with the same wholehearted exuberance: “Praised be you, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape.” To praise God through death! Not protesting it, or arguing with it, as if outrage or denial could change the course of its coming. —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “St. Francis and the Gift of Love“
by Maureen O’Brien |
Open 24/7 Reflect At St. Edmund’s Retreat on Enders Island, on Long Island Sound, the sea-facing Chapel of Our Lady of Assumption is open 24/7. How rare it is, in these current times, to find a church that provides constant refuge. What thoughts and feelings come to you when you imagine a sacred dwelling that welcomes you with its front doors perpetually open? Pray God,
In this world where pharmacies, casinos and fast-food are available round-the-clock
helps us find, beyond unending neon, your solace.
For you are the always-open door we pass through into peace,
the paschal candle, flame flickering, ever-lit.
You are the coral aurora filling all windows, the place we long to enter, ceaselessly.
God you are the place we never want to leave. Act Take some time to remember the feelings from churches you have entered that have reached most deeply into your spirit. Perhaps these were churches where you were married, where your children were baptized, or holy sanctuaries along your travels. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Maureen O'Brien. Learn more here! |
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