The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 2nd Sunday in Advent – Fr. Christopher
John’s highway is ultimately a way to let God get close, to make it possible to welcome Jesus as the Giver of the Spirit.
Don’t jump to Christmas too early
New Year’s blessings to you. The beginning of the liturgical year also means the start of the Advent Season. Notice I wrote Advent Season, not Christmas Season. Although the Church says the Christmas Season doesn’t start for 3+ weeks, the rest of society doesn’t buy it. Most of our friends, neighbors and businesses have jumped to Christmas already. By the time the Feast of the Nativity arrives, and the actual Christmas Season begins, many have moved on - ready to take down the decorations.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 1st Sunday in Advent – Fr. Christopher
God came down. This is the heart of the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. God prefers to live with us in spite of our sinful ways, our anger and violence, our lack of love for one another. We find God here on earth.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Feast of Christ the King – Fr. Christopher
We are called to belong to the truth, to claim what is real in our lives, living a Catholic Christian Franciscan life, and to follow the teachings of Christ and His Church.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
Things may be overwhelming and tough now, but the future belongs to God and to the values demonstrated in the life of Jesus, as we prepare to go to meet Him.
News from General Chapter in Rome Nov. 9-17
Follow reports from the XVII General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order celebrated in Rome from Nov. 9-17, 2024.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
"And so, whether we are able to do a little or a lot, whether we are able to give a little or give in abundance, it is who we become in the doing, and in the giving, that is the greater gift that God desires."
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 31th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
When we recognize God’s beauty in people, God’s beauty in creation, then God’s incarnate love is present and at work in us.
Treasurer Vocation
I recall when I was in initial formation and my local fraternity was getting ready for elections, they were mentioning the council positions and when they said treasurer, I thought “Well, Lord, you have provided me with the skills so this is a way I could serve if that is what you want.” And so I have - at the local level for many years, at the Regional level for several terms and now at the National level for two terms.
Mentoring
Professed members of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) are responsible for the welfare and growth of our prospective members and have a role as mentor in multiple circumstances.