What Do You Believe?

I believed it was an angel speaking to me, and I had the will to believe. ~ Jeanne d'Arc

Today is the Feast Day of St. Joan of Arc. She is a historical figure whose story has to inspire. Burned at the stake 570 years ago today, she had unwavering faith and belief in God. As I read through some of her story tonight, I could not help but think of Louis Riel and his passion for his people and God as well. Ah, maybe there is something about the French?

On the way home from work, I stopped at the Chemin Neuf House and they reminded me it was the Feast Day during evening prayer. I have seen movies on Joan of Arc and I remember thinking how brave she was and how much she loved God.

When the mystical happens, it is easy to disregard it. How many of us would believe an angel was speaking directly to us if today it happened? We would probably be skeptical if we read about it in the news, too. Joan’s unwavering faith as she was grilled by the powers of the day is inspiring. She serves as a grand role model for believing in herself as a child of God despite the slings and arrows of the day. Given one short life, she is acknowledged still today as someone who changed the course of history in France and who continues to touch hearts. Do we have the will to believe that angels speak to us?

The Maid of Heaven had another quote that resonates within me:

One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.

How are you living your life? What belief guides you?

Peace,

Suzanne