Daily Meditation for April 17, 2026

Hold still . . . Stand still . . . Sit still . . . Many of us heard these two-word instructions when we were young children, perhaps before taking our first steps. Hearing is one thing; obeying is quite another! By their nature, toddlers are on the move—growing, learning, changing, exploring. It is why, for a parent, gently rocking a child to sleep is such holy ground. And why watching a sleeping child in the stillness of night is a relief and a blessing! What if we “grownups” could re-imagine ourselves as children resting in the arms of our God who loves us more than we could ever know? God does not harshly call us to hold still. Rather, as the psalmist tells us, God invites us to be still . . . Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:11). Each day, if only for a minute, be still and let God gaze on you with love. In that sacred space and very short time, you will be changed.

By Mary Stommes, OblSB