Brother Juniper, Wonder, Woe, and Well-Being
Dear John, When you investment in Franciscan Media, you help ensure the continuation of these daily inspirations, including Saint of the Day, Pause+Pray, and Minute Meditations. Be a crucial part of sustaining this source of spiritual nourishment by making a gift today. |
Saint of the Day for January 29: Servant of God Brother Juniper (d. 1258)
“Would to God, my brothers, I had a whole forest of such Junipers,” said St. Francis of this holy friar. We don’t know much about Juniper before he joined the friars in 1210. Francis sent him to establish “places” for the friars in Gualdo Tadino and Viterbo. When Saint Clare was dying, Juniper consoled her. He was devoted to the passion of Jesus and was known for his simplicity. Several stories about Juniper in the Little Flowers of St. Francis illustrate his exasperating generosity. Once Juniper was taking care of a sick man who had a craving to eat pig’s feet. This helpful friar went to a nearby field, captured a pig and cut off one foot, and then served this meal to the sicck man. The owner of the pig was furious and immediately went to Juniper’s superior. When Juniper saw his mistake, he apologized profusely. He also ended up talking this angry man into donating the rest of the pig to the friars! Another time Juniper had been commanded to quit giving part of his clothing to the half-naked people he met on the road. Desiring to obey his superior, Juniper once told a man in need that he couldn’t give the man his tunic, but he wouldn’t prevent the man from taking it either. In time, the friars learned not to leave anything lying around, for Juniper would probably give it away. He died in 1258 and is buried at Ara Coeli Church in Rome. Reflection What can we make of Juniper? He certainly seems to be the first of many Franciscan “characters.” No doubt some of the stories about him have improved considerably in the retelling. Although the stories about Juniper may seem a little quaint, his virtues were not. He was humble because he knew the truth about God, himself, and others. He was patient because he was willing to suffer in his following of Jesus. |
Gain inspiration this Lent with daily reflections from Saint Marianne Cope. The booklet contains reflections on the life of this Franciscan woman as well as prayers for each day of Lent. |
Wonder, Woe, and Well-Being Amid the tumult of these electrically charged, frenzied times, contemplative living does not propose an escape from our very real, practical, and sometimes intractable problems. On the contrary, it suggests a way of being still, while still being in the storms that rage all around and within us. Like sturdy trees that bend with the breeze, wisdom-inspired living offers a deeper mooring for our being and our doing, which allows for movement even as we are deeply rooted. Seasoned by tears of joy and lament, prayer-centered presence invites us to welcome the whole world by drawing it into our heart-center. Here theology mixes with theater and prophetic action with poetry, as walls come tumbling down, making way for wonder, woe, and well-being.
—from the book Wandering and Welcome: Meditations for Finding Peace
by Joseph Grant |
Purchasing directly from our shop is the best way to support our mission. Find the book featured in today's Minute Meditations—and many more great titles—by visiting us today! |
One Candle Lighting Another Reflect Throughout the day, we encounter a variety of people who may be strangers. May this prayer support you in knowing that what you give to all brightens the world.
Pray God, gently remind me
that how I treat
every single person today matters.
Help me give true kindness
to all who cross my path,
and to see all interactions
as a chance to pass on Christ’s love,
as simple as one candle
reaching out to light another.
Act Today, see who you meet. Whether on the phone, in stores, at street corners–no matter how brief, offer them a little extra warmth from your heart.
Today's Pause+Pray was written by Maureen O'Brien. Learn more here! |
This newsletter is not free to produce! Please consider making a donation to help us in our efforts to share God's love in the spirit of Saint Francis. |
|
