The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Presentation of the Lord – Fr. Christopher

It is interesting to note that at the entrance of the Child Jesus into the solemnity of the Temple, in the great comings and goings of many people busy with their work: priests and Levites, numerous devout people and pilgrims to encounter the God of Israel, yet none of them noticed anything.  Jesus was a child like the others, a first-born Son of very simple parents.  Even the priests proved incapable of recognizing the signs of the new and special presence of the Messiah and Savior.  Except for two senior members of the community, Simeon and Anna.

Father’s Homily – video

Father’s Homily – text

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/02/01/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-the-presentation-of-the-lord-fr-christopher/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – National Priorities – Part 2 – Communications – January 31, 2025

Communications Part 2: Social Media (en español abajo) Korean translation attached in separate PDF.

Please share with your local fraternity

The OFS USA National Priorities for 2022 to 2025 are, “Vocations, Communications and Relationships.”
#OFS, #Francis, #Justice, #Peace, #Love
Thank you to Layna Maher, OFS, Chair, National Formation Commission for preparing this piece.

This Formation Friday looks at Social Media communications and offering an opportunity to reflect on our posts and perspective as Catholics and Secular Franciscans.

Imagine if St. Francis had a Facebook page. What do you think he would he be posting? How would St. Francis give praise to God and creation? How would he show solidarity with the poor and marginalized? How would he respond to injustice? It can be easy to be kind and loving as we go along with those that think like we do. When it comes to those we disagree with, however, we may also find it easy to justify lashing out with anger or condemnation. St. Francis once again gives us clear guidance on how we should go about things.

FA:ED, vol. 1, 72 The Earlier Rule, [Chapter XI: The Brothers Should Not Revile or Detract, But Should Love One Another] 1Let all the brothers be careful not to slander or engage in disputes; 2let them strive, instead, to keep silence whenever God gives them the grace.

FA:ED, vol. 1, 102 from the Later Rule 10I counsel, admonish and exhort my brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ not to quarrel or argue or judge others when they go about in the world; 11but let them be meek, peaceful, modest, gentle, and humble, 2 Tm 2:14 speaking courteously to everyone, as is becoming.

Pope Francis counsels us “It is necessary to overcome the tendency to “discredit and insult opponents from the outset [rather] than to open a respectful dialogue” in his Message for the 57th World Day of Social Communications. Let us move from the potential for negativity and embrace the positive potential as we’re guided in the Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti 205“In today’s globalized world, the media can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of the unity of the human family which in turn can inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all…”

Let us stop and think before we post or comment. Or maybe decide it’s best to not comment or reply, but respond with a silent prayer. We can choose to use social media for good. Social media can help those in isolation feel connected. It can also be a great platform to share spiritual resources and come together in prayer. We can evangelize and share the Good News with how we show respect for all of God’s creation and cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace. We can also use social media to show love and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the world.

From the Gospel of John 13:35 “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

From the OFS Rule Article 14 Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. Mindful that anyone “who follows Christ, the perfect man, becomes more of a man himself,” let them exercise their responsibilities competently in Christian spirit of service.

 

Reflect and discuss in your fraternity or comment in your journal.

+ Is the face of Christ visible on my Facebook or social media page?

+ How much love and peace am I sowing?

+ Are my posts and comments building a more fraternal world?

++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

Comunicaciones Parte 2: Las Redes Sociales 31 de enero de 2025
Por favor comparta con su fraternidad local

 

Las prioridades nacionales de OFS USA para 2022 a 2025 son ” vocaciones, comunicaciones y relaciones ” .

#OFS, #Francisco, #Justicia, #Paz, #Amor

Gracias a Layna Maher, OFS, Presidenta de la Comisión de formación nacional por preparar esta materia.

 

Esta formación semanal analiza las comunicaciones de las redes sociales y ofrece la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre nuestras publicaciones y nuestra perspectiva como católicos y franciscanos seglares.

 

Imagínese si San Francisco tuviera una página de Facebook. ¿Qué cree que estaría publicando? ¿Cómo alabaría San Francisco a Dios y a la creación? ¿Cómo mostraría su solidaridad con los pobres y marginados? ¿Cómo respondería a la injusticia? Puede ser fácil ser amable y cariñoso con aquellos que piensan como nosotros. Sin embargo, cuando se trata de aquellos con los que no estamos de acuerdo, también puede que nos resulte fácil justificar arremeter con ira o condena. San Francisco una vez más nos da una guía clara sobre cómo debemos hacer las cosas.

 

FA:ED , vol. 1, 72 La regla no bulada, [Capítulo XI:] Y todos los hermanos guárdense de calumniar y de contender de palabra (cf. 2 Tim 2,14); 2empéñense, más bien, en guardar silencio siempre que Dios les conceda la gracia.

 

FA:ED, vol. 1, 102 de la Regla bulada [Capítulo III:] 10 Aconsejo de veras, amonesto y exhorto a mis hermanos en el Señor Jesucristo que, cuando van por el mundo, no litiguen ni contiendan con palabras (cf. 2 Tim 2,14), ni juzguen a los otros; 11sino sean apacibles, pacíficos y moderados, mansos y humildes, hablando a todos honestamente, como conviene.

El Papa Francisco nos aconseja “Es necesario superar la tendencia a “desacreditar e insultar a los opositores desde el principio [en lugar de] abrir un diálogo respetuoso” en su Mensaje para la 57ª Jornada Mundial de las Comunicaciones Sociales .

 

Pasemos del potencial de negatividad y abracemos el potencial positivo como nos guía la Carta Encíclica Fratelli Tutti 205 “En el mundo globalizado de hoy, los medios pueden ayudarnos a sentirnos más cerca unos de otros, creando un sentido de unidad de la familia humana que a su vez puede inspirar solidaridad y esfuerzos serios para asegurar una vida más digna para todos…”

 

Detengámonos y pensemos antes de publicar o comentar. O tal vez decida que es mejor no comentar ni responder, sino responder con una oración en silencio. Podemos elegir usar las redes sociales por lo bueno. Las redes sociales pueden ayudar a las personas aisladas a sentirse conectadas. También puede ser una gran plataforma para compartir recursos espirituales y unirse en oración. Podemos evangelizar y compartir la Buena Nueva con la forma en que mostramos respeto por toda la creación de Dios y cultivamos el espíritu franciscano de paz. También podemos usar las redes sociales para mostrar amor y solidaridad con nuestros hermanos y hermanas en el mundo.

 

Del Evangelio de Juan 13:35 “En esto conocerán todos que sois mis discípulos, si tuviereis amor los unos con los otros.”

 

De la Regla OFS Artículo 14 “Llamados, juntamente con todos los hombres de buena voluntad, a construir un mundo más fraterno y evangélico para la edificación del reino de Dios, conscientes de que “quien sigue a Cristo, Hombre perfecto, se hace a sí mismo más hombre”, cumplan con competencia las propias responsabilidades con espíritu cristiano de servicio.”

 

Reflexione y comente en su fraternidad o comente en su diario.

+ ¿Se ve el rostro de Cristo en mi página de Facebook o redes sociales?

+ ¿Cuánto amor y paz estoy sembrando?

+ ¿Mis publicaciones y comentarios están construyendo un mundo más fraterno?

 

 
 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA

Homilies at Chapter 2024

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2024 Issue #113)

 by Sharon Winzeler, OFS
Communication Committee Chair

Daily Mass in the Our Lady of the Angels Church offered attendees at the 2024 Chapter in Scottsdale, AZ, the Holy Eucharist as well as food for thought.
Masses were celebrated throughout the week by the attending CNSA friars—Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv., Fr. John DeLaRiva, OFM Cap., and Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM. Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix presided at the Friday evening Mass.

From left to right are, Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv., Fr. John De La Riva, OFM Cap., and Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM.

Fr. Marek’s homily at the opening Mass on the Feast of the Stigmata emphasized that true discipleship requires us to listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. He reflected on the suffering of the stigmata or suffering as a transformative experience—”the kiss of Jesus”—that can lead to profound change if we invite God into our darkest moments. He suggested that just as Francis found joy in adversity, we too can find meaning by replacing feelings of rejection with gratitude, and woundedness with healing.

The message warned against the dangers of power and control, advocating instead for servant leadership. Ultimately, the homily encouraged spending time in prayer, reminding us that our lives reflect the gospel to others, making us living testaments of faith. (Listen to Fr. Marek’s homily.)

During Thursday’s Mass, Fr. Jerome talked about how Christ’s sacrifice was not solely a response to sin but an expression of God’s love as articulated by John Duns Scotus, who suggested that Jesus would have come to us even without the fall of Adam and Eve. “Our religion, true Christianity, says God came to dwell with us,” Fr. Jerome said.

The essence of true Christianity is that God chose to dwell among humanity, despite the reality of human sin and suffering. This love calls Christians to reflect on their own willingness to extend love to others, even those who may harbor animosity towards them.

The sermon used the example of a saint who faced persecution to illustrate the metaphorical “stones” people throw, which represent the hardened hearts of others. It concluded with the idea that only by confronting uncomfortable challenges can individuals cultivate a heart open to God’s love and transformation.

During the closing Mass, Fr. John used a personal example to reflect on ‘what a gift it is to be a servant.’ He conveyed the profound impact his mother’s life of service had on his family as evidenced by two aprons that she wore. He said these protective garments, worn during countless moments of nurturing and care, represented not just pieces of cloth but the essence of selfless service, attentiveness and love his mother demonstrated throughout her life. This example celebrated the beauty of serving others with love.

In this homily, Fr. John reflected on the idea that our trajectory in life is intertwined with God’s presence and guidance. He encouraged listeners to “listen to Him with faith,” reassuring them that amidst life’s chaos, God will care for them.

While challenging moments may humble us, they should not discourage us. He invited everyone to embrace the richness and grace that come from serving others. The aprons symbolize his mother’s kindness and love. He encouraged listeners to “cherish in a special way the apron—the call that is a labor of love,” reminding them of the profound beauty in serving one another.
Bishop Dolan used the phrase “form follows function” in the context of our spiritual journey. He pointed out how a church building can reflect the spiritual journey of a community. He noted the openness to nature that worshippers experience in Our Lady of the Angels Church. He pointed out how its large windows bring nature to the worshipper and foster a deeper spiritual experience.

Architectural glasswork above the back of the church

His homily also explored the idea that “form follows function” in the context of our Christian journey, where our primary function is to follow Christ by dying to ourselves and embracing love. He emphasized that this exercise can sometimes become overshadowed by daily activities, causing us to lose sight of our purpose as Christians.

In addition, Bishop Dolan reflected on the call to know the Lord, urging listeners to consider whether they are truly aligned with this desire as they prepare to receive the Eucharist. He asked congregants to listen to the words of the upcoming song which began, “Only this I want: but to know the Lord.” His message encouraged introspection about what one truly wants in the spiritual life, prompting a return to the essence of faith and commitment.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/01/27/homilies-at-chapter-2024/

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

“The beauty of Truth appears in him, the beauty of God Himself who draws us to Himself and, at the same time captures us with the wound of Love, the holy passion that enables us to go forth…to meet the Love who calls us.”  “The Contemplation of Beauty” (then) Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 2002.

Father’s Homily – video

Father’s Homily – text

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/01/25/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-3rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-fr-christopher/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Review of Priorities – January 24, 2025

Please share with your local fraternity.

At our National Chapter in October 2022, the National Fraternity Council decided that the priorities for 2022-2025 would be Vocations, Communications, and Relationships. As we enter 2025, Formation Friday will offer an opportunity to review these priorities and see “how we are doing” so far. Communications is our second priority.

Communications: Part 1
Prepared by Layna Maher, OFS, Chair, National Formation Commission

This week Formation Friday is taking a look at communication from our perspective as Catholics and Secular Franciscans.

As Franciscans, we are called to share the Good News by the way we live and communicate with others. We first look to the way St. Francis lived as described to us by Thomas of Celano in The Life of Saint Francis.

FA:ED, vol. 1, 283

The brothers who lived with him know

that daily, constantly, talk of Jesus was always on his lips,

sweet and pleasant Ez 33:32 conversations about Him,

kind words full of love.

Out of the fullness of the heart his mouth spoke. Mt 12:34

So the spring of radiant love that filled his heart within

gushed forth.

He was always with Jesus:

Jesus in his heart,

Jesus in his mouth,

Jesus in his ears,

Jesus in his eyes,

Jesus in his hands,

he bore Jesus always in his whole body.

Jesus and St. Francis are perfect models of gentleness. Jesus teaches us that gentleness reconciles and heals. St. Francis teaches us that gentleness opens the possibility for something radical and positive and holy. As Secular Franciscans we follow in the footsteps of St. Francis following Jesus. When we do this and live our Rule, we live with gentleness rooted in humility.

We also look to the Holy Spirit as a model of gentleness. During a 2017 visit to a parish in Rome, Pope Francis said, “The language of the Holy Spirit is sweet, and the Church calls him the ‘sweet guest of the soul’ because he is sweet and gives us sweetness. And respect. He always respects others. He teaches us to respect others.”

Gently and humbly seeking first to understand, then to be understood helps us to be respectful and see others as a gift of the Lord. As Franciscans, we open our hearts to be filled with the same radiant love that filled the heart of St. Francis. When our hearts are full, others will hear Jesus from the words of our mouths and see Jesus in the work of our hands.

From the OFS Rule: Article 13. As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ. A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially with the lowly for whom they shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ.

Discuss with your fraternity or a prayer partner or comment in your journal.

Proverbs 15:1 A mild answer turns back wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger

+ Reflect on your attitude and actions when you encounter someone with a different opinion or position. Is it an attitude of gentleness, or of wrath?

+ How do you seek to encounter Christ in those you do not agree with?

+ Think of a time you may not have reacted with gentleness to another. What could you have done differently? Is there an opportunity for reconciliation?

++++++++++++++++++++

Por favor compartir con su fraternidad local

En nuestro Capítulo Nacional en octubre de 2022, el Consejo Nacional decidió que las prioridades para 2022-2025 serán Vocaciones, Comunicaciones y Relaciones. Durante las próximas semanas, “Formation Friday” analizará cada una de las prioridades.

Comunicaciones: Parte 1
Preparado por Layna Maher, OFS, Formadora Nacional OFS-USA

Esta semana, Formation Friday analiza la comunicación desde nuestra perspectiva como católicos y franciscanos seglares.

Como franciscanos, estamos llamados a compartir la Buena Nueva a través de la forma en que vivimos y nos comunicamos con los demás. Primero miramos la forma en que vivió San Francisco como nos la describe Tomás de Celano en La vida de San Francisco.

FA:ED , vol. 1, 283 (En inglés)

Los hermanos que vivían con él saben

que diariamente, constantemente, hablar de Jesús estaba siempre en sus labios,

dulces y agradables Ez 33:32 conversaciones acerca de Él,

amables palabras llenas de amor.

De la plenitud del corazón habló su boca. Mateo 12:34

Así que el manantial de amor radiante que llenó su corazón dentro

brotó.

Siempre estuvo con Jesús:

Jesús en su corazón,

Jesús en su boca,

Jesús en sus oídos,

Jesús en sus ojos,

Jesús en sus manos,

llevó siempre a Jesús en todo su cuerpo.

 

Jesús y San Francisco son modelos perfectos de mansedumbre. Jesús nos enseña que la mansedumbre reconcilia y sana. San Francisco nos enseña que la mansedumbre abre la posibilidad de algo radical, positivo y santo. Como Franciscanos Seglares seguimos los pasos de San Francisco siguiendo a Jesús. Cuando hacemos esto y vivimos nuestra Regla, vivimos con mansedumbre enraizada en la humildad.

También miramos al Espíritu Santo como un modelo de mansedumbre. Durante una visita a una parroquia en Roma en 2017, el Papa Francisco dijo: “El lenguaje del Espíritu Santo es dulce, y la Iglesia lo llama el ‘dulce huésped del alma’ porque es dulce y nos da dulzura. Y respeto. Siempre respeta a los demás. Él nos enseña a respetar a los demás”.

Buscando con delicadeza y humildad a comprender primero y luego ser comprendidos nos ayuda a ser respetuosos y ver a los demás como un don del Señor. Como franciscanos, abrimos nuestros corazones para que se llenen del mismo amor radiante que llenó el corazón de San Francisco. Cuando nuestros corazones estén llenos, otros escucharán a Jesús de las palabras de nuestra boca y verán a Jesús en la obra de nuestras manos.

De la Regla OFS : Artículo 13. De la misma manera que el Padre ve en cada uno de los hombres los rasgos de su Hijo, Primogénito de muchos hermanos22, los Franciscanos seglares acojan a todos los hombres con ánimo humilde y cortés, como don del Señor23 e imagen de Cristo.

El sentido de fraternidad les hará felices de colocarse a la par de todos los hombres, especialmente con los más humildes, para los cuales se esforzarán en crear condiciones de vida dignas de criaturas redimidas por Cristo24.

Para platicar con su fraternidad o un compañero de oración o comentar en su diario.

Proverbios 15:1 La suave respuesta hace retroceder la ira, pero la palabra áspera hace subir la ira

+ Reflexione sobre su actitud y acciones cuando se encuentra con alguien que tiene una opinión o posición diferente a la suya. ¿Es su actitud una de mansedumbre o de ira?

+ ¿Cómo intenta encontrar a Cristo en aquellos con los que no está de acuerdo?

+ Piense en un momento en el que quizás no haya reaccionado con delicadeza a otro. ¿Qué podría haber hecho diferente? ¿Hay una oportunidad para la reconciliación?

 

Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
Scroll to top
Juan de Padilla