Jesus knows this law as well as any other rabbi of His day. But He chooses to break the law in a most deliberate and decisive way—He actually stretches out His hand and touches the leper who came for a cure. Touches him. Inexcusable! Irresponsible! But it works! Jesus’ tender touch makes the leper clean.
"Care of the sick and infirm reminds us most visibly of how God deals with us graciously in our weakness. There is the tendency in all of us to stand tall and proud, attractive in strength and talent. We even rely on those things and think of those things as important to our relationships with others. . . . And so, we need a reminder that God does not glory in our accomplishments. God loves us for who we are—fragile and failing human beings—bent for another kind of glory where the accomplishment is God’s and ours is the gratitude."
On May 3rd, 2020, Fr. Christopher Panagoplos recorded his first Sunday homily to be shared with the Secular Franciscan Order. Since then, faithfully, he has prepared and delivered a homily each week, reflecting on the scriptures from a Franciscan perspective. As we approach the beginning of a fourth year of these treasures, Fr. Christopher shares in his most recent homily for Sunday, January 28th, 2024, the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, some insights about how our following in the footsteps of our Seraphic Father, Francis, we are following in the footsteps of Christ himself.
On Thursday, January 18th, the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA) gave a workshop for 12 local and regional spiritual assistants and formation directors from St. Francis, St. Junipero Serra and St. Thomas More regions at Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
During December we ardently await and long for God’s presence. We yearn for God’s son Jesus to come among us in peace and joy. In Advent we are hoping and wishing that we are ready for the coming of the Christ Child.
Database Committee Chair Bill Mussatto reports that Release 1 of the new database will be ready for implementation in the Spring of 2023. Release 1 will contain all the necessary day-to-day functions, as well as some new enhancements and functionality. This release will not be in time for the annual reporting cycle for the Regions, so the existing process will be used in early 2023.
Do you consider yourself an “Early Bird” or want to be considered one? If so, it’s time to register for the Q. OFS-USA 20th Quinquennial Congress “JUBILEE” (regfox.com). It may be a good time to call the hotel to make your […] |
This beautiful story of the future was sent by Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, T.O.R. It’s a “must see”!
We have all travelled the road the two disciples walked that Easter night—the road of deep disappointment, sadness, despair, and anger. But it is also a road in which we meet the Risen One in the guise of those who offer us […]
Sisters and Brothers, may the Lord grant you peace!
Countless millions of us are ordered to “stay-at-home,” not to go to work, not to go to school, and to practice safe and social distancing when venturing out of doors for specific purposes. Religious services and events are being cancelled while religious […]