The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
“The word that goes forth from the mouth of God does not return empty. It does not come back without succeeding in what it was sent to do.”
“The word that goes forth from the mouth of God does not return empty. It does not come back without succeeding in what it was sent to do.”
The mission of Franciscan Month is to celebrate the 800-year charism of the Franciscan way of life, to build awareness about this way of life, and to invite and inspire people of all faiths to live it. Our intention for 2026 is to promote the Franciscan values of simplicity, care for creation, peacemaking, the dignity and integrity of each person and service to the poor, marginalized and forgotten - especially during this Jubilee Year of St. Francis.
Jesus comes back again and again to this image of the child, to communicate a sense of human relationship to God.
This year, we will celebrate the 21st Quinquennial Congress (Q2026) at the Griffin Gate Marriott in Lexington, Kentucky, from July 29 to August 2. This gathering comes at a particularly grace-filled moment, as the global Franciscan family continues to celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis and the 800th anniversaries that mark the final years of his earthly life.
Surrender is the willing offering of one’s own will, desires, and life to God in trust, obedience, and love. It is an active response of faith—choosing to yield oneself to God’s purposes, following the example of Christ, who entrusted himself completely to the Father (Lumen Gentium, 41).
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me.” Hospitality extended from one to another becomes a place of encounter. In welcoming another person, we may discover that Christ has already arrived ahead of us.
In my lifetime, four of my relatives have celebrated their 100th birthday. A century is a long time. But this year, as you all know, we are celebrating the 800th anniversary of Francis’ death. How does Francis stay so popular after eight centuries? We can get an idea by looking at what has happened in just the last 40 years – my part of the story.
At the CIOFS General Chapter in Rome (November 2024), the theme “You Are Love” reminded us that the Franciscan way of life begins with God’s initiative: God loved us first. From this gift flows the love we extend to ourselves, to our families, and to every brother and sister we meet along the way.
The deeper we travel through these days of Ordinary Time, the more we encounter the reality that discipleship is not simply believing certain things about Jesus. It’s about following Jesus.
Do you like to entertain? Got talent? Respond to the casting call for a talent show at the Quinquennial in Lexington, KY, July 29-Aug. 2. There are still a few slots available. If interested, send an email to Amy Sperry amysperryofs@gmail.com. See video for details.