Now Available! – Revised Handbook for Spiritual Assistance to the Secular Franciscan Order
Available on June 7th - Print version for sale on the Gospel to Life Bookstore. Also available for download from the National Website CNSA page.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Corpus Christi – Fr. Christopher
True sharing in the prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist means that I listen, receive, and the door opens up within me, through which Christ may enter, and that I may begin to enter into Him.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher
“Eternal Trinity, You are like a deep sea, in which the more I seek, the more I find; and the more I find, the more I seek You.” St Catherine of Siena
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Pentecost – Fr. Christopher
The Spirit does not erase differences. The Spirit speaks through difference. Pentecost is not uniformity but aids us in understanding.
REFLECTIONS ON FIFTEEN YEARS: Grateful for the Opportunity to Serve the OFS
My Franciscan vocation began with the Seculars, so when the opportunity came for me to serve as a provincial delegate in 2011, I was happy to volunteer. I was in my second assignment after ordination – middle-aged as a person, but young as a friar. This service has been an incredible opportunity for me to grow and exercise our Franciscan charism. At several points, I have been grateful for those who have walked with me in leadership. My connections grew with their support, leading eventually to the positions I have now as OFS Animator for my province and National Spiritual Assistant.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Feast of the Ascension – Fr. Christopher
Franciscans live in the midst of the world, in our communities and from our homes. Our witness to the Risen Christ is living in a way that shines out to others: a witness of faithful love through daily life in family and fraternity, neighborhood and workplace; a witness to the struggles for social justice and human dignity; a witness of daily conversion, the willingness to conform our thoughts and actions to those of Jesus.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 6th Sunday of Easter – Fr. Christopher
The invisible God is made visible in Jesus, and becomes present in quieter and purer ways, felt and trusted through us. Jesus sends us His life-giving Spirit who will always stand with us.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 5th Sunday of Easter – Fr. Christopher
The cross unmasks the world’s definition of truth (control, dominance, certainty) and replaces them with a costly self-giving love that does not defend itself.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Good Shepherd Sunday – 4th Sunday of Easter – Fr. Christopher
The abundant life is a matter of the heart. The heart is the sheepfold of abundance. And must be guarded.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Road to Anywhere and Everywhere – Fr. Christopher
And so, Jesus fed the disciples not just with bread, but with Himself: His body, His life, His love, His compassion and strength, His forgiveness and hope, His holy and life-giving spirit.