The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
As Franciscans, we learn to “pray without ceasing,” to maintain a continuous, conscious connection with God throughout the day.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
“Go and do likewise.”
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
“May the Lord give you peace.” We are minstrels of the Lord, singing joy into joyless hearts. We listen to the voice of the Lord; we discern His life-giving Word; we go forth to be imitations of what is coming—the reign of God’s peace with abiding justice for all.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Sts. Peter and Paul – Fr. Christopher
In confessing Jesus’ identity, Peter confessed his own. The Lord wanted nothing less from Peter than perfect conformity with Himself: “Another will bind you (as they did Me) and take you where you would not go.”
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Solemnity of Corpus Christi – Fr. Christopher
For Francis, the Eucharist is the primary way in which he sees Christ’s continuing Incarnation in the world, the complete self-emptying of Christ.
All Creation Sings – Canticle of the Creatures Reflections
The first time I was introduced to the “Canticle of the Creatures,” I was easily captivated by its seemingly all-encompassing spirit of joy and praise of our good God. Without knowing Francis’ story well nor the context of this canticle’s writing, I imagined him frolicking through a vast field of flowers on a bright summer’s day, without a care in the world. Yes, a moment when the true blessings of the Lord can be so obvious, even to the most tepid of believers. What was this setting of inspiration? What treasure could so captivate St. Francis?
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher
“Fear and honor, praise and consecrate, thank and adore the omnipotent Lord God in the Trinity and in the Unity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, creator of all things.” (From the Earlier Rule)
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Pentecost – Fr. Christopher
When we walk by the Spirit we will be kind and good, we grow gentle and faithful. We experience incomparable peace, a joy the world cannot give.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 7th Sunday of Easter – Fr. Christopher
The receiving and giving among the friends of Jesus creates a unity that becomes a message to the non-unified world, a world that lives by taking and holding.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 6th Sunday of Easter – Fr. Christopher
Peace signifies the restoration of harmonious relations between God and humankind. Peace is also the bond of accord between one another.