Prayer Changes Our Hearts
Diane M. Houdek
March 18, 2021
Pope Francis reminds us that prayer is not about us and the things we do, it’s about our relationship with God.
Posts from:
Diane M. Houdek
Diane M. Houdek is the former director of content at Franciscan Media. She is the author of Lent with St. Francis, Advent with St. Francis, and Simple Gifts: Daily Reflections for Advent.
Lent with St. Francis: How Do Others See Us?
Diane M. Houdek
March 18, 2021
Does our outward appearance accurately portray our inner attitude? In some measure, the disciplines of Lent—prayer, fasting, almsgiving—help us to bring these two closer together. But we need to be mindful that we don’t take this too far.
The Work that Is Ours to Do
Diane M. Houdek
March 17, 2021
We know that in our own lives—at home, at work, in school, in various organizations—that the less admirable behaviors can distract from the work at hand.
Lent with St. Francis: The Virtue of Work
Diane M. Houdek
March 17, 2021
More and more people work at occupations that make few physical demands. While there will always be jobs that involve manual labor, not everyone can enjoy the satisfaction that comes with seeing a concrete result from physical work.
Lent with St. Francis: Do We Like Complaining?
Diane M. Houdek
March 16, 2021
Not everyone wants to be well. Too often we become invested in our own weakness, our own sickness. It seems we would rather complain than deal with the responsibility of being healed.
God Shines Most Brightly in Everyday Life
Diane M. Houdek
March 15, 2021
The virtue of humility reminds us that the ordinary and the everyday is often where God’s gifts shine most brightly.
Lent with St. Francis: Signs and Wonders
Diane M. Houdek
March 15, 2021
Francis strenuously denied the suggestions that he was a saint. He kept hidden the marks of the stigmata. He refused to let people attribute miracles to him.