Daily Devotions and Podcasts

SCRIPTURE  Romans 8. 38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. WORDS OF HOPE Learning How to Smile Again For each of us, there comes a day when we are called away from this life to be with our Lord in the next. Yet even though we realize this, it is still painful for the ones who feel left behind. The pain of losing a child or the pain of losing a parent has always been too much to bear. We do not want to be reminded of what we lost, but everything it seems, reminds us anyway. How can we go on when our very strength was the loved one who departed? There is no single answer, for we all grieve differently, but there is something that each of us must do: find someone who can help carry the burden. There will be times when you will need to be alone, but always remember that you are never alone, for God is everywhere and is ever near to you. Our emotions are heavy like any burden, and just as many people together can lift a heavy stone, many friends can help us carry the weight of our hearts. Do not attempt to carry your loss all by yourself. Instead, find someone that you trust who knows you and will listen. This could be a family member, old friend, or someone that you see often. It may be that someone is grieving over the same person and needs you as much as you need them. It is not weakness to need help, but to carry your burden alone will only demand more and more strength, until eventually, you are compelled to set it down. God lifts us up when we are low. One of the ways God does this is through people. In truth, our loved ones are always with us, for they live in our hearts. Our bonds with them do not break because of a distance, for we keep those precious memories and lessons they taught us always close to us. We can be comforted by the thought that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven, and our goodbyes are actually ‘see-you-soons’. PRAYER Spirit of divine love, Carry our burdens, we lay them at Your feet. Comfort our weary minds and relieve our heavy hearts. Dry our tears and teach us how to smile again. Thank You, for the gift of our loved ones. Help us to always keep them alive in our hearts, and to remember that now, they dance in fields of gold. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Jonathon McClellan Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

SCRIPTURE  Hebrews 13:1-2 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. READING Radical hospitality is not just about inviting people into our spaces; it’s about allowing ourselves to be transformed by the people we welcome – Valarie Kaur WORDS OF HOPE Even if you haven't been following the World Cup, you've probably heard stories about the extraordinary welcome North Americans have shown to visitors from around the globe. Social media has been filled with moments of unexpected joy: Kansans welcoming the Algerian team with marching bands, Scottish fans joining street performers in impromptu bagpipe concerts, supporters from South Korea and Mexico celebrating together in Mexico City, Croatian fans unfurling a giant banner through downtown Dallas, and Dutch fans—and even players—embracing cowboy hats and boots. Visitors have also shared their delight in everything from Buc-ee's and ranch dressing to small-town hospitality and wide-open landscapes. These authentic, unscripted encounters have become one of the tournament's most memorable stories. Many international visitors have said they were surprised not only by America's diversity, but by the everyday kindness of strangers who offered directions, recommendations, conversations, and genuine welcome. That kind of radical hospitality echoes the biblical call to welcome strangers, outsiders, and guests with the same generosity and dignity we would offer Christ himself. As Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers," and Jesus says in Matthew 25:35, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Biblical hospitality is more than friendliness. It means making room for others, sharing what we have, crossing barriers, and treating every stranger as our neighbor. It reflects God's own welcome—gracious, generous, and open-hearted. Valarie Kaur writes, "Radical hospitality is not just about inviting people into our spaces; it's about allowing ourselves to be transformed by the people we welcome." That is the heart of Christian hospitality. When we welcome others, we don't simply change their experience—we open ourselves to being changed as well. That spirit of radical hospitality is one of the things that makes Cathedral of Hope so beautiful. From our Sunday morning greeters to BACH on Saturdays and countless acts of welcome throughout the week, we continue to live out Christ's invitation by making room for everyone. As the World Cup reminds us, the simplest acts of kindness often leave the deepest impression. This week, I invite you to look for your own opportunities to practice radical hospitality. Welcome the newcomer. Strike up a conversation with someone who seems alone. Offer help before it's asked for. Extend grace, kindness, and generosity to a stranger. You never know how a small act of welcome might reflect God's love—or how it might change someone's day, including your own. PRAYER Gracious God, thank you for welcoming us with boundless love. Help us to welcome others with the same grace, kindness, and generosity. Open our hearts to be transformed as we make room for others, so that all may experience your love through us. In Christ's name, Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Thomas Riggs