Word of the Month- Reflection

As the year begins to wind down and nature prepares for its long rest, November invites us into a quiet space of reflection. It’s a time to pause and look back—on the blessings we’ve received, the lessons we’ve learned, and the loved ones we hold in memory. Through stillness and gratitude, we gain perspective and prepare our hearts for what’s to come.

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Chapters

• 0:29 Welcome And Word Of The Month
• 0:49 November’s Mood And Meaning
• 1:06 All Saints, All Souls, And Community
• 1:31 Sacred Remembering Beyond Nostalgia
• 2:15 Scripture And God’s Nearness
• 2:41 Practical Prompts For Reflection
• 3:16 Honest Presence And Gentle Closing

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:29

Welcome back to CC Airwaves. My name is Paige Matillo, and today we have another edition of the Word of the Month. Each month we take time to reflect on a single word, one that offers us a new lens to view our faith, our healing, and the season we're living in. For November, our word is reflection. November has a quiet weight to it. The year is winding down, the trees are nearly bare, the air feels colder, sharper. We step fully into autumn and can see winter approaching just around the corner. It's a season that naturally turns us inward and invites us to look back. In the Catholic tradition, November begins with All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It's a time to remember, a time to honor the faithful departed, a time to reflect on the lives of those we love who have gone before us, and to remember that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. The Catholic Cemeteries Association celebrates All Souls Day by having a cemetery Sunday Mass at certain cemetery locations. And reflection in this sense isn't just about nostalgia. It's about sacred remembering. It's about pausing to recognize how far we've come, what has changed, and where God has been present through it all, even in the silence, even in the pain. Maybe this past year held joy for you. New beginnings, moments of celebration. If so, give thanks and hold those memories close. Or maybe this year brought sorrow, loss, illness, change that you weren't ready for. If that's the case, be gentle with yourself. Let this be a time of stillness and grace. Reflections don't rush. It simply asks us to look and listen. There's something deeply spiritual about giving ourselves space to reflect. In Psalm 77, the writer says, I will remember the deeds of the Lord. Yes. I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Reflection is one way we remember that God has never left us, not once. Even when we weren't sure where He we were going, He was guiding the way. Even when we felt lost, He was near. So as the days grow shorter, especially with daylight savings time ending soon, I encourage you to find a quiet moment to reflect. Light a candle, sit by a window, flip through old photos, write in your journal, and ask yourself, where did I see God this year? What am I grateful for? What have I learned? And what do I need to let go of before the year ends? Reflection isn't about perfection. It's about honesty and it's about presence. And it's about preparing your heart for what's next, whatever that may be. Thank you so much for spending a few quiet moments with me today. I hope this month brings you to the peace that reflection can offer. We'll see you next month with a new word and a new way to grow.