Minute Meditations - Feeling Empty

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Feeling Empty

Sometimes our relationship with God looks a lot like a long-distance relationship, when God’s presence feels distant and our insecurities and fears take hold of our prayer.

— from Dating God

Friday, April 13, 2012

Minute Meditation for 4/12/2012

Minute Meditation for 4/14/2012

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Felix of Cantalice: Felix was the first Capuchin Franciscan ever canonized. In fact, when he was born, the Capuchins did not yet exist as a distinct group within the Franciscans.
<p>Born of humble, God-fearing parents in the Rieti Valley, Felix worked as a farmhand and a shepherd until he was 28. He developed the habit of praying while he worked. </p><p>In 1543 he joined the Capuchins. When the guardian explained the hardships of that way of life, Felix answered: "Father, the austerity of your Order does not frighten me. I hope, with God’s help, to overcome all the difficulties which will arise from my own weakness." </p><p>Three years later Felix was assigned to the friary in Rome as its official beggar. Because he was a model of simplicity and charity, he edified many people during the 42 years he performed that service for his confreres. </p><p>As he made his rounds, he worked to convert hardened sinners and to feed the poor–as did his good friend, St. Philip Neri, who founded the Oratory, a community of priests serving the poor of Rome. When Felix wasn’t talking on his rounds, he was praying the rosary. The people named him "Brother Deo Gratias" (thanks be to God) because he was always using that blessing. </p><p>When Felix was an old man, his superior had to order him to wear sandals to protect his health. Around the same time a certain cardinal offered to suggest to Felix’s superiors that he be freed of begging so that he could devote more time to prayer. Felix talked the cardinal out of that idea. Felix was canonized in 1712.</p>

I think of all the women religious in the United States who touch countless lives, alleviate the suffering of so many, strive to offer a voice to the voiceless, remember the forgotten, care for those most in need, and focus their lives on the greater good of all God's people, without concern or regard for what they could receive in return.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

	Dating God
	Learn how to deepen your most important relationship in this new book.

	Now on audio!
	Father Robert Barron's comprehensive work goes straight to the core of the Catholic faith.

	Now on audio!
	A candid and hopeful look at the single life.

	Padre Pio's Spiritual Direction
	"Take concern to have your heart be more pleasing to our Master day by day." — Padre Pio

	New for Lent 2012!
	Journey through Lent with the Sacred Heart.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Easter Friday
	Life in Christ makes every day an alleluia day! Catholic Greetings help you share your faith with others.

	Easter Thursday
	Jesus is calling each one of us to resurrection. How will you respond?

	Easter Wednesday
	May the Lord be with us as he was with the faithful on that first Easter.

	Easter Tuesday
	If you’re taking a break this week from work or school, keep in touch with a Catholic Greetings e-card.

	Easter Monday
	It’s not too late to send an Easter e-card to friends near and far. Let the celebration continue for 50 days!

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