“Truly, I say to you, you who have left everything and followed me will receive a hundredfold in return and inherit eternal life.” (cf. Mt 19:28–29). This is the great promise for all who wish to fully commit to following the Lord. What some may see as the “death of their life” is, in truth, […]
“REWARDED A HUNDRED-FOLD” Read More »
After her capture, it became clear what the English intended to do with her. Joan was not merely a prominent prisoner; with her, English military dominance in France had come to an end. They therefore believed they knew what had caused their defeats. In their view, a witch—and thus a woman influenced by the devil—had
IN HONOR OF ST. JOAN OF ARC: “A diabolical plan: Joan is being taken to Rouen!” (Part 8) Read More »
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.” (John 8:10–11) Jesus does not condemn the adulteress, but He does give her a clear warning not to sin anymore. This is how God wants to encounter
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After Charles VII was crowned in Reims, the king began negotiating with the Burgundians. On the day of the coronation itself, Joan wrote to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, on behalf of Charles VII. She pleaded with him in the name of God: “May the King of France and you conclude a good and
IN HONOR OF ST. JOAN OF ARC: “Joan is captured!” (Part 7) Read More »
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged.” (Mt 7:1–2a) These words become clear to us when we think of our Heavenly Father. We need only observe how He treats us to learn how we should treat others. In tomorrow’s reflection, in Jesus’ encounter with the
After the city of Orléans had been relieved of its siege, Joan felt compelled to fulfill her next prophecy: to lead the king to Reims for his coronation. She knew from her visions that she did not have much time to complete her mission, and she had to seize the moment. The English were weakened,
IN HONOR OF ST. JOAN OF ARC: “The king is crowned in Reims” (Part 6) Read More »
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Mt 7:15–16a) The Lord does not leave us in the dark about the dangers that lie in wait on our path of discipleship. It would be unthinkable for Him not to do
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From this moment on, the tide of the war turned in favor of the French crown. The decisive event had taken place: the Dauphin, Charles VII, had received Joan and had been convinced that she was sent by God, and the Church authorities had agreed as well. Thus God could carry out His plan. Joan’s
IN HONOR OF ST. JOAN OF ARC: “Joan fulfills her prophecy: Orléans is liberated” Read More »
With conviction and courage, Joan sets out on the arduous eleven‑day journey to Chinon. She knows she is on a mission from God, and therefore fears no obstacles. She continually encourages her companions as well. Two of them later testify about this journey during the interrogation that took place as part of the rehabilitation trial
IN HONOR OF ST. JOAN OF ARC: “Charles VII listens to Joan” (Part 4) Read More »
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me” (Jn 10:14) The good shepherd—what a reassuring image this is, even though we see shepherds and flocks less and less in the wild. Yet the image speaks to us from within. Deep down, we know what the good shepherd means. He
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