“It seems to me that in certain respects, there is not a great difference between the thirteenth and twenty-first centuries. During the lifetime of Saint Francis, there was a burning hunger and desire for things of the spirit, for sound spirituality, for the experience of God. Francis was able to respond to those hungers in a way unmatched, perhaps, by anyone since, and he awakened those hungers in the hearts of others. In our time there is clear evidence of the same kind of desires in people’s hearts. They are searching for paths that open them to the realization of their spiritual yearnings.
“Perhaps what our hearts are seeking is holiness. By holiness, I mean . . . a call to a wholesome, genuine and fully committed life base on gospel values, - - -something based on love and compassion that reaches out to people everywhere. This is the source of joy and freedom and the means for promoting the reign of God in our time and rebuilding society, family life and the church.”
In the Footsteps of Francis and Clare, Roch Niemier, OFM
Reflection (these questions are for personal reflection, AND if you wish to share some of your thoughts with those of us on this blog, they would be most welcomely received . . – I made up the word welcomely.)
*What strikes me as I read the above passage?
*What is my definition of holiness?
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Hello to all!
ReplyDeleteMy definition of holiness is anything that brings us closer to the Divine. Life itself is beatific because everything in and around us is created by the Divine. So, inherently, we are already holy.
I agree with the thoughts in the passage above. The world needs God now more than ever. We most certainly need to reconnect with Him in order to realize peace.
Just a quick note to say that each day's prayers and "thought for the day" has managed to have relevance on each day so far. Hope all of you are finding both individual meaning also and, as well, some feeling of community knowing that many of us are doing these readings together, even if geographically and temporally separately!
ReplyDeleteFrancis was a person of action. His desire to authentically live the Gospel is a model for us in the 21st century. Francis had his struggles, but he never let himself be defeated. When he embraced the leper, he showed that all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God, and therefore, are all our brothers and sisters to be treated with dignity. Francis put himself in the "minore," himself last and the "other" first.
ReplyDeleteHoliness to me is an option for the poor. Everyone working for social justice and human rights for the poor and marginalized is cloaked in a mantel of holiness.
This is part one of a text I read during the homily at the St. Francis Day Mass. I will share two more part, if you want to read them. The text is from a letter from the TOR Franciscan General Curia on the occasion of the Feast of St. Francis
ReplyDeleteAs Franciscans, we profess to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the spirituality and example of St. Francis of Assisi – a man of peace, justice, and compassion. Like him, and following the challenge to the penitents of his day, we are called to “produce worthy fruits of penance” or works of mercy. For centuries this has been one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Third Order Regular. Another way of stating this is that, by his example and teachings, St. Francis challenges us to embrace and to truly live the social teachings of the Church and to invite all those with whom we minister to do the same. It is with this in mind that we turn to a reflection on the important place that justice, peace, and integrity of creation (JPIC) has in our consecrated lives.
Part II
ReplyDeleteIn addition to being a cause for joy and thanksgiving, the celebration of the Solemnity of St. Francis gives us an opportunity to reflect on, to study and deepen, and to imitate his rich experience of faith and love. The love that St. Francis received from God - and which he so desperately strived to return to Him throughout his life – made him sensitive and responsive to the Divine Will, attuned to the image of Christ in the men and women around him, and in awe of the presence of God in all of creation. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that even nonbelievers recognize and celebrate him as the Patron of Ecology.
Issues related to social justice, peace, and the environment are becoming increasingly important in the media and present unprecedented challenges to the world. As Franciscans we cannot remain on the sidelines of this reality - especially if we wish to be in harmony with the magisterium of the Church and with our fellow religious from numerous orders and congregations who are giving their lives and energies to addressing these issues in a thoroughly Christian and spirit-filled fashion. It is also clear that the necessity for our response and active participation in these areas is deeply rooted in biblical revelation, in the teaching of the Church, and in our own Franciscan spirituality. The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, highlighted this reality on the occasion of the 43rd World Day of Peace on January 1, 2010, when he stated that, “If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation.”
Part III (Final one!)
ReplyDeleteInstrument of Peace and Justice
Francis’ experience of the forgiveness of God and as the object of His love transformed the Saint into a standard bearer of the Good News of the Kingdom of God and a true instrument or ambassador of peace. This reality was so important to him that he writes, “The Lord revealed a greeting to me that we should say: “May the Lord give you peace” (Test 23). For Francis, this greeting was not just a pretty slogan or calling card – rather, it was an expression of a profound desire that all of creation might share in the peace that only the Lord could give. His wish was that all of creation might enjoy this peace, to be blessed with the abundance of the Divine love, and then to join with him in a song of heartfelt thanksgiving to God.