Pro-life pilgrims are gathering in Washington DC from across the nation and beyond for the annual Walk for Live event. The purpose is clear, to convince our nation's leaders that abortion is murder. Our nation has had heinous laws before and lawful protest overturned those as well. Now as we move forward will we continue to be a nation that embraces the culture of death? Will we as a nation condone the senseless murder of innocent children? Will we rise up and show the world the city on a hill that President Reagan spoke of so often? Pray for the brave pilgrims who are representing us in our nation's capital. Pray that their devotion and peaceful, prayerful protest will change even the most hardened of hearts. If we continue to embrace murder as a way to deal with as some would say "life's inconveniences", we will not truly have peace. Spend some time each day this week to pray that the United States become a nation that embraces life!
I am just beginning to dive into the beautiful, ancient devotion to the Five Wounds of Jesus, and I wanted to share a bit of the journey with you. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to look at the Crucifix this closely, but I’ve found such a gentle guide in St. Bernard of Clairvaux . In his Jubilee Rhythm on the Passion, Bernard doesn't treat the wounds of Jesus as distant historical facts or sights to be avoided. Instead, he approaches them with the tenderness of a friend, speaking directly to the feet, hands, side, and face of our Lord. For someone like me who is just starting out, his rhythm teaches that prayer isn't just about reciting words; it’s a holy hide-and-seek. Bernard invites us to literally hide ourselves within these wounds, seeing them as clefts in the rock where we can find shelter when our own lives feel turbulent or heavy. As I start this process, I’ve been practicing what I call gazing and greeting. Following Bernard’s lead, I look at the Crucifix an...