As we head into the weekend, our plans may include eating and drinking, writing and reading, clearing and cleaning, and keeping our relationships healthy and well. These are the stuff of life and cannot be neglected. However, will relaxing and praying be included in these plans?
We always face the ever-present temptation of being so absorbed in daily life that we neglect what ultimately matters. We are so easily distracted in this day and age. And it is even possible for created things to distract us from God Himself. For example, because the natural things in this world are so good and beautiful , they can claim our total attention and stifle any desire to think about life beyond them. Once the meal is on the table, how often do we remember to thank the cook? How often do the toys and gifts lavished on children get quickly taken for granted? The Catholic life, if we take it seriously, constantly asserts that: from the greatness and the beauty of created things, we should make adequate time to acknowledge God as their author and be grateful for them.
Let’s get back to the topic of the weekend: while doing our best to fully live in the present moment, let’s be sure to look behind “the veil of signs” (according to the Book of Wisdom) and see the Creator. If we forget God, our thoughts and behaviors can easily become shallow and self-serving. So, whatever happens this weekend, let’s “lean in” to see more clearly how the Lord is near us and with us – in and through the ordinary activities of life … and let’s be grateful. We are invited to be aware of the One who is at the heart of life. Deep in our hearts, may we keep His presence in mind.
Let us pray. “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.” Psalm 89
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On November 13 we celebrate the Feastday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Mother Cabrini, as she was fondly known, was an influential missionary who left her home in Italy to profoundly change the lives of disadvantaged peoples, including orphans, the sick, the poor, and immigrants around the world. By the time of her death in 1917, she had established 67 schools, hospitals, and orphanages throughout the United States and Europe, as well as Central and South America. She was the first naturalized citizen of the U.S. to be canonized. She was also named the Patroness of Immigrants in 1950, four years after she was recognized as a saint by the Church.
“Mother Cabrini stands out as an example of someone who holds up some of the best things we want to celebrate in our society,” said Ray Ward, PhD, Director of Cabrini’s Wolfington Center, which fosters community-based learning through Catholic social teaching.
Mother Cabrini, pray for us.
To read more: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-frances-xavier-cabrini
