Pause+Pray

The Holy Family knew the hardship of being refugees, outsiders dependent on the kindness and generosity of others. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus—in this sense—are icons of the refugee, orphaned from their homeland, a new Israel.

How often are you surrounding yourself with noise? Do you allow yourself the time necessary to call God to mind with silence and solitude?

For those who open their senses, despite its tragedy, we live in a beautiful world. Beyond the tumult of national uncertainty, God sings through all creation.

Some of the holiest people in the Gospels barely spoke and played small but significant roles. No matter who they were, they were not unseen. Jesus saw them. And he sees you.

Sometimes when we try to be helpful, to do something particularly kind for someone else, despite our best efforts, the gift we intend is not the one received.

Remember that old refrain, “He’s got the whole world in his hands”? God’s also got each one of us in his hands, and he doesn’t let go.