We complete this season by speaking with Veronica Alonzo, Associate Superintendent for the Dallas Catholic Schools, about discovering meaning in personal loss, her vocation as an educator, and perspectives on Catholic education.
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Today’s Daily Gospel Reflection
October 9, 2024
Gospel
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished,
one of his disciples said to him,
“Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”
He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins
for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,
and do not subject us to the final test.”
Every night, I repeat the Lord’s prayer over and over until I fall asleep. It’s a trick I learned from my mom, who taught me that it is the easiest way to clear my mind of that day’s events, stressors, and anxieties. As I pray it over and over, I notice that, at first, I start to lose my spot and have to start over; then the words themselves become a little jumbled, and before I know it, I am sleeping soundly.
This prayer is often one of the first we learn as children, and it makes sense! These words are Jesus’ response to the request, “teach us how to pray.” This foundational prayer has provided familiarity and comfort throughout my life and has been my go-to when I have no better words. Yet, I have come to realize that the very familiarity that makes this prayer so dear to me is also what sometimes keeps the reality of this message from genuinely sinking in.
In giving us this prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray with a profound awe of the Lord and faith in the grace of God’s will as we live out each day. He teaches us to recognize how we fall short and hurt others and to ask humbly that we may one day join God in heaven. When we pray this, we acknowledge the grandeur and majesty of the God who loves us deeply, who desires goodness for all of creation but also each of us by name, who sustains us in every moment, who wants us to love a little better every day, who challenges us to forgive those who hurt us, who still forgives us when we fall short of that, and who wants nothing more than to call us home to God’s presence.
Prayer
Father of Mercies, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to teach us to approach you as children to a loving Father. Give all people the courage to acknowledge you as their Father, so that your Word may spread to all the nations and bring peace and unity. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Pray with Today’s Saint
EverydayHoliness
A PODCAST BY FAITH ND
Walk the streets of Boston with Dr. Jim O’Connell as he describes his long path to a medical career and the surprising, longstanding vocation of serving others through the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program.
Lisa Orchen details her calling to ministry in the Church and how that has changed over the years as the demands of life have shifted, always requiring continual discernment of God’s will.
Explore the themes of motherhood with Jessica Mannen Kimmet, a musician and author, who has written a book with the intention of helping mothers who are experiencing similar crosses to ones she has carried.
Journey with Fr. Bill Lies, CSC, Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as he offers stories of his family, vocational call, and perspective from various leadership positions.
Meet Molly and Jeremy Aranda, a married couple who describe the many ups and downs of life, including challenging pregnancies, financial strain, and sickness, all while striving to remain faithful to God’s calling in their lives.
Patrick Garry, author of The Power of Gratitude, shares the stories and the lifelong lessons of his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Garry, whose lives were marked by sacrifice for others and giving thanks in all circumstances.
We conclude this season with Lisa Hendey, founder of Catholicmom.com, as she describes her spiritual journey, which has included being a wife and mother, a Catholic writer and content producer, and recently, someone bearing the cross of breast cancer.
Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow, shares the inspiring story of the struggle and growth of his spiritual life, eventually leading to the creation of one of the most well-utilized Catholic apps in the world today.
Hear the perspective of Meghann Kirzeder, a wife, mother, and musician, whose life has taken some unexpected turns as she cares for her beautiful children, including three with significant special needs.
Grab a sideline view with Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, as he provides a glimpse into his life as a religious priest, a Catholic educator and researcher, and the chaplain to the Notre Dame Football team.
Reflect back on 25 years of marriage with Josh and Stacey Noem, two Notre Dame graduates who have lived their vows through children, career changes, and the daily decisions that constitute a life of love together.
Journey with Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB, a Benedictine nun who has discovered God’s calling in life through the beauty of music, the wonder of creation, and the holy example of others.
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC begins season 9 as he tells us about his life as a religious priest, bishop, and cardinal. He also shares details of the holy life of Servant of God Theotonius Ganguly, CSC, who could be the first Notre Dame graduate canonized a Catholic saint.
For our final episode this season, we listen to Sister Michaela Martinez, OP, as she reflects on her call to religious life, God’s fidelity to her, and how she finds joy in all things.
Hear the stories of Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers ’88, a well-known Catholic speaker, author, and evangelist, who offers his perspective on discernment, forgiveness, prayer, and trusting in God’s plan.
Dr. John Cavadini shares some of the hidden aspects of his vocation as a husband, father, and teacher, encouraging us to seek holiness in the ordinary, seemingly unremarkable moments of our lives.
Meet Kristin Yudt ’00 and her daughter Jessica Davis ’23, who share the remarkable story of two lives intertwined by love, faith, compassion, and the infusion of God’s grace into the challenging situation of an unplanned pregnancy.
We listen this week to the heartfelt and moving stories of Natalie and Joe LaHood, as they describe their love for God and each other, finding joy in the midst of suffering, and a willingness to open their home and hearts to children with special needs.
We talk this week with Fr. Jim Bracke, CSC, Notre Dame Staff Chaplain, and he reflects on his more than 40 years in priestly ministry, his ongoing call to follow Christ in all things, and his outlook on life as he makes a significant transition towards retirement.
This season’s first episode shares the journey of Meg Hunter-Kilmer ’04, ’06 M.T.S., an author, speaker, and itinerant missionary, who describes her understanding of God’s radical love and what that has compelled her to do with her life.
Our final episode of the season features Bishop Bill Wack, CSC, as he tells us about his love of family and community, his initial vocation as a Holy Cross priest, and the unexpected call to serve as the bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
We continue this season with guest Jessica Keating Floyd ’13 M.Div. as she offers stories of struggle, conversion, and faithful discipleship, all while engaging her calling to champion and promote the Gospel of Life.
Meet Patrick and Margaret Manning, who discuss the relationships that have shaped their lives and marriage, the formation that has been central to their ongoing growth in faith, and how they have helped each other during times of loss and in the pursuit of holiness.
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