Daily Thought from the Saints
"Let us never forget that if we wish to die like the saints we must live like them."
— St. Théodore Guérin
Daily Scripture Verse
"Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made."
Romans 1:20a
Daily Meditation
"He that sacrifices to God his property by alms-deeds, his honor by bearing insults, or his body by mortifications, by fasts and penitential rigours, offers to Him a part of himself and of what belongs to him; but he that sacrifices to God his will, by obedience, gives to Him all that he has, and can say: Lord, having given you my will, I have nothing more to give you."
— St. Alphonsus Liguori
Daily Catholic Wisdom
Art cannot be ‘produced’, as one contracts out and produces technical equipment. It is always a gift. Inspiration is not something one can choose for oneself. It has to be received, otherwise it is not there. One cannot bring about a renewal of art in faith by money or through commissions. Before all things it requires the gift of a new kind of seeing. And so it would be worth our while to regain a faith that sees. Wherever that exists, art finds its proper expression.
—Pope Benedict XVI
from his book “The Spirit of the Liturgy”
A Prayer from Notre Dame University
Rev. William Simmons, C.S.C.+
Lord and Savior, we know that there are moments when we will be called upon to sacrifice our time, energy, and resources to assist others. Help us to accept with kindness the duty to provide care for those in need. May your example, Lord, inspire us to serve you.
The Abbot’s Daily Lectio Divina
Abbot Austin Murphy, O.S.B., St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, IL
Matthew 10:7-10
Reading
Jesus said to his Apostles: “as you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep:"
Meditation
The Apostles are to take no provisions, for the ‘laborer deserves his keep.’ The Apostles, Jesus seems to say, should be given provisions by those to whom they minister. But if they are to receive their ministry, how are they giving 'without cost'? The answer may be that the Apostles are to share the gospel freely, as a gift. The recipients should support the Apostles as they're able, but the Apostles do not demand this as a condition for doing ministry.
Prayer
Most gracious God, may I ever more appreciate the utter gratuity of your saving grace, so that I may be more generous in sharing the gospel with others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Contemplation…