Padre Pio authored today's Minute Meditations! š
December 31, 2024
Dear John,
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As we approach the New Year, we invite you to join us for five days of video reflections on prayer that will put us in good stead in 2025!
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In this segment from Franciscan Media's podcast Off the Page, Stephen Copeland talks with Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD, about how we as believers can become living prayers. Click here to watch the video!
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When you think of this pope, you think of the Edict of Milan, the emergence of the Church from the catacombs, the building of the great basilicasāSaint John Lateran, Saint Peterās, and othersāthe Council of Nicaea, and other critical events. But for the most part, these events were planned or brought about by Emperor Constantine.
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A great store of legends has grown up around the man who was pope at this most important time, but very little can be established historically. We know for sure that his papacy lasted from 314 until his death in 335. Reading between the lines of history, we are assured that only a very strong and wise man could have preserved the essential independence of the Church in the face of the overpowering figure of the Emperor Constantine. In general, the bishops remained loyal to the Holy See, and at times expressed apologies to Sylvester for undertaking important ecclesiastical projects at the urging of Constantine.
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Reflection
It takes deep humility and courage in the face of criticism for a leader to stand aside and let events take their course, when asserting oneās authority would only lead to useless tension and strife. Sylvester teaches a valuable lesson for Church leaders, politicians, parents, and others in authority.
Discover this Franciscan classic!
Readers find the answer to the question, "What is Franciscan Prayer?"Ā as well as how it can help them rediscover God. Learn how the Franciscan way offers an intimate and wholehearted approach to prayer and rebuilding the church. Franciscan Prayer: Awakening to Oneness with God
Always bear in mind as a safe general rule that while God tries us by his crosses and sufferings, he always leaves us a glimmer of light by which we continue to have great trust in him and to recognize his immense goodness. I urge you, therefore, not to be entirely disheartened in the face of the crossā¦heaven bestows on you, but to continue to have boundless confidence in the divine mercy.
Former UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold penned the following words in his journal,Ā Markings: āFor all that has beenāthanks! For all that shall beāyes!ā These are apt words for the New Year. Let us give thanks for the blessings of the past year, and let us look forward with hope to the year ahead, knowing that we can be the great yes for our family, friends, and the world.
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Pray
Facing the rising sun of the new year, Let me give thanks for the blessings of the year gone by. Let me share my gratitude with those who have supported me and with my loved ones. Let my voice be one of affirmation. Let me open the door to the future, Taking responsibility for my lifeĀ And supporting the well-being of others. Let the year ahead be a great yes for me And the world I touch. Amen.
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Act
Spend today joining hope and gratitude. Take time to say thanks to God and those who have supported you this year. Reach out in gratitude through a text message, phone call, email, or visit. Take time to imagine ways to do something beautiful for God and this good earth in the year ahead. Do one thing that says yes to God and the world today.
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Today's Pause+Pray was written by Bruce Epperly. Learn more here!
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