Today's saint life is another reminder that the heart of the Christian life is prayer: private and liturgical, ordinary or mystical, but always personal. 🙏
November 14, 2024
Dear John,
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Our Pause + Pray today reminds us to sing in all seasons of life. Our journey of faith also moves through seasons. That is why we are beginning a reorganization of our website, books, and magazine to reflect the “seasons” that every adult moves through on their faith journey; namely, Rediscovering God, Healing Our Relationships with God and Others, Listening to God, and Following God.
We want to create new resources like podcasts, webinars, and feature articles that help people navigate these seasons. But this can’t happen without your support! If you would like to speak to me directly to find out more about this campaign and how to become a major supporter, please contact me at mhalbach@franciscanmedia.org
With profound gratitude,
Deacon Matthew Halbach, PhD President & Publisher,
Gertrude, a Benedictine nun in Helfta, Saxony, was one of the great mystics of the 13th century. Together with her friend and teacher Saint Mechtild, she practiced a spirituality called “nuptial mysticism,” that is, she came to see herself as the bride of Christ. Her spiritual life was a deeply personal union with Jesus and his Sacred Heart, leading her into the very life of the Trinity.
But this was no individualistic piety. Gertrude lived the rhythm of the liturgy, where she found Christ. In the liturgy and in Scripture she found the themes and images to enrich and express her piety. There was no clash between her personal prayer life and the liturgy. The Liturgical Feast of Saint Gertrude the Great is November 16.
Reflection
Saint Gertrude’s life is another reminder that the heart of the Christian life is prayer: private and liturgical, ordinary or mystical, but always personal.
It was not long in the silence of the solitude that I understood I was not alone. Without even a book to distract me, I was out in creation surrounded by the stillness of a cold afternoon in the Pennsylvania forest. As I walked along a snowy trail I became aware that I was not actually by myself. Part of what jogged my attention was the beauty of creation and the rich feeling that I was not some spectator who had shown up like a patron at a zoo, peeking around at the surroundings like someone apart from and different from what was on display. Instead, I was sensitive to the reality of connectedness to all that was around me.
And as if I were looking at a painting and had become suddenly aware of the artist who was responsible for its creation, I came to think about the source of this creation. Then, I came to sense the presence of that Divine Artist whose work was my very life and world. God was with me in the forest, not like another human person could have been with me in the forest, but there with me all the same.
The North African saint Augustine of Hippo once stated that when you sing, you pray twice. Singing opens our lungs and our heart as well. The Psalms counsel us to make a joyful noise to God. You can sing your joys and sorrows, your delight and questions, your gratitude and dreams. Take time to sing your faith in all the seasons of life.
Pray
God of words and music, God of dance and song, Fill us with your joyful presence. Place a song in our hearts That we can sing in every season of life To remind us that you are near as our next breath And that your glory is revealed everywhere. Amen.
Act
Do you have a favorite hymn or popular song that speaks to your spirit? Throughout the day, remember this song and when you feel comfortable, take time to play it and sing along. Let your day be filled with music and prayer.
Today's Pause+Pray was written by Bruce Epperly. Learn more here!
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