When was the last time you noticed something really beautiful?
Divorce drains your reality of goodness, beauty, and color. Everything can seem to go gray and bland. I knows that feeling well.
Almost a year after my marriage ended—and so much time feeling incredibly sad and depressed—I moved from Southern California to Nashville, Tennessee. And that was extreme culture shock. Vons versus Piggly Wiggly. The Troubadour versus the Grand Ole Opry. I could tell you some hilarious stories.
I moved there in April, and Spring had just sprung. Green was everywhere—the hills, the trees, the grass... I'd never seen that color green! Being in awe of it was her first sign that I'd taken a step on the path to healing. And that leads me to something important to contemplate about St. Francis.
St. Francis wouldn't let suffering be all he noticed
Francis had many reasons to stop seeing beauty in the world. As a young man, he was imprisoned. He was publicly humiliated and rejected by his father. He endured illnesses and was in constant pain. By the end of his life, he was practically blind, living in a tiny hut in San Damiano where he could barely tolerate the sunlight.
And that tiny hut is exactly where he wrote the Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon. He praised the sun he could no longer see—because he wouldn't allow his suffering to be the only thing he noticed.
Ask for eyes that still see beauty
As we pray together today, ask God for the grace to appreciate and find consolation in His glorious, beautiful world. Divorce may have drained the color for a while, but grace can help you notice and appreciate it again.
Novena prayer to St. Francis
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Francis, lover of all God's creatures, thank you for living a life of charity and service. There was no creature too small for you to tend to, and the love you brought to those who were suffering was constant until the day you died. You lived with the animals and were inspired by the grandeur of nature. Please pray to God for me as I persevere through these difficult times, that I may find peace and consolation through reflecting on nature and all God's beautiful creations. Most of all, I ask for peace in my heart and for this special intention. I pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
St. Francis, patron of peace and families, pray for us.
Thank you for praying. Lisa looks forward to seeing you tomorrow for Day 6 of the Novena to St. Francis for Divorced Catholics.
Taking the next step
If you're looking for more support as a divorced or separated Catholic, explore the Journey of Hope online subscriptions. The program offers Catholic teaching, encouragement, and practical support from the privacy of your own home.
Watch the video: Novena to St. Francis for Divorced Catholics — Day 5