Word of the Month- Reflection

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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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Episode Transcript

SPEAKER_00 (00:29):
Welcome back to CC Airwaves.
My name is Paige Matillo, andtoday we have another edition of
the Word of the Month.
Each month we take time toreflect on a single word, one
that offers us a new lens toview our faith, our healing, and
the season we're living in.
For November, our word isreflection.
November has a quiet weight toit.

(00:51):
The year is winding down, thetrees are nearly bare, the air
feels colder, sharper.
We step fully into autumn andcan see winter approaching just
around the corner.
It's a season that naturallyturns us inward and invites us
to look back.
In the Catholic tradition,November begins with All Saints
Day and All Souls Day.

(01:11):
It's a time to remember, a timeto honor the faithful departed,
a time to reflect on the livesof those we love who have gone
before us, and to remember thatwe are part of something bigger
than ourselves.
The Catholic CemeteriesAssociation celebrates All Souls
Day by having a cemetery SundayMass at certain cemetery
locations.

(01:31):
And reflection in this senseisn't just about nostalgia.
It's about sacred remembering.
It's about pausing to recognizehow far we've come, what has
changed, and where God has beenpresent through it all, even in
the silence, even in the pain.
Maybe this past year held joyfor you.
New beginnings, moments ofcelebration.
If so, give thanks and holdthose memories close.

(01:54):
Or maybe this year broughtsorrow, loss, illness, change
that you weren't ready for.
If that's the case, be gentlewith yourself.
Let this be a time of stillnessand grace.
Reflections don't rush.
It simply asks us to look andlisten.
There's something deeplyspiritual about giving ourselves
space to reflect.

(02:15):
In Psalm 77, the writer says, Iwill remember the deeds of the
Lord.
Yes.
I will remember your miracles oflong ago.
I will consider all your worksand meditate on all your mighty
deeds.
Reflection is one way weremember that God has never left
us, not once.
Even when we weren't sure whereHe we were going, He was guiding

(02:37):
the way.
Even when we felt lost, He wasnear.
So as the days grow shorter,especially with daylight savings
time ending soon, I encourageyou to find a quiet moment to
reflect.
Light a candle, sit by a window,flip through old photos, write
in your journal, and askyourself, where did I see God

(02:57):
this year?
What am I grateful for?
What have I learned?
And what do I need to let go ofbefore the year ends?
Reflection isn't aboutperfection.
It's about honesty and it'sabout presence.
And it's about preparing yourheart for what's next, whatever
that may be.
Thank you so much for spending afew quiet moments with me today.

(03:20):
I hope this month brings you tothe peace that reflection can
offer.
We'll see you next month with anew word and a new way to grow.