Please share with your local fraternity
Did you ever notice the relationship between the Praises of God and the O Antiphons? Now might be a good time to take a look.
“Leo of Assisi, who was with Francis on LaVerna in the Fall of 1224, wrote in red ink on one side of this piece of parchment: ‘Two years before his death, the blessed Francis spent forty days on Mount LaVerna from the Feast of the Assumption of the holy Virgin Mary until the September Feast of Saint Michael, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and the blessed Michael the Archangel. And the Lord’s hand was upon him. After the vision and message of the Seraph and the impression of Christ’s stigmata upon his body, he composed these praises written on the other side of this page and wrote them in his own hand, thanking God for the kindness bestowed on him.’”
The Praises of God – St. Francis of AssisiYou are the holy Lord God Who does wonderful things.
You are strong. You are great. You are the most high.
You are the almighty king. You holy Father,
King of heaven and earth.You are three and one, the Lord God of gods;
You are the good, all good, the highest good,
Lord God living and true.You are love, charity; You are wisdom, You are humility,
You are patience, You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are security, You are rest,
You are gladness and joy, You are our hope, You are justice,
You are moderation, You are all our riches to sufficiency.You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are the protector, You are our custodian and defender,
You are strength, You are refreshment. 6You are our hope,
You are our faith, You are our charity,
You are all our sweetness, You are our eternal life:
Great and wonderful Lord, Almighty God, Merciful Savior.About the O Antiphons
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/the-o-antiphons-of-advent
“The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.”
December 17: O Sapientia “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet gentle care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are love, charity; You are wisdom,
You are patience, You are beauty, You are meekness,…” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)
December 18: O Adonai “O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free. “You are the holy Lord God Who does wonderful things.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are strong. You are great. You are the most high.
You are three and one, the Lord God of gods;
You are the good, all good, the highest good,
Lord God living and true…” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)
December 19: O Radix Jesse “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are security, You are rest,
You are gladness and joy, You are our hope, You are justice,
You are moderation, You are all our riches to sufficiency.” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)
December 20: O Clavis David “O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are the protector, You are our custodian and defender,
You are strength…” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)December 21: O Oriens “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are refreshment. 6You are our hope,
You are our faith, You are our charity,…” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)December 22: O Rex Gentium “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are the almighty king. You holy Father,
King of heaven and earth.” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)
December 23: O Emmanuel “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God. (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are all our sweetness, You are our eternal life:
Great and wonderful Lord, Almighty God, Merciful Savior.” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)To discuss or comment on in your journal
+ How does the text of the “Praises of God” help you to see how St. Francis thinks about God?
+ Think about the praises—perhaps at Adoration—How do they influence your closeness to and relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
+ Each day during the rest of Advent, take the O Antiphon for the day and think about it in light of the Praises of God. Discuss or comment on your prayer experience in your journal.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Formación 15 de diciembre, 2023 (Por favor, comparta con su fraternidad.)
¿Alguna vez notó la relación entre las “ Alabanzas de Dios” y las “Antífonas O”? Ahora podría ser un buen momento para echarle un vistazo.
“León de Asís, que estuvo con Francisco en LaVerna en el otoño de 1224, escribió con tinta roja en un lado de este trozo de pergamino: ‘Dos años antes de su muerte, el bienaventurado Francisco pasó cuarenta días en el monte LaVerna desde la Fiesta de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María hasta la Fiesta de San Miguel de septiembre, en honor de la Santísima Virgen María, Madre de Dios, y del bienaventurado Miguel Arcángel. Y la mano del Señor estaba sobre él. Después de la visión y el mensaje del Serafín y la impresión de los estigmas de Cristo en su cuerpo, compuso estas alabanzas escritas al otro lado de esta página y las escribió de su propia mano, agradeciendo a Dios por la bondad que le había concedido.’”
ALABANZAS DEL DIOS ALTÍSIMO
http://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/ald.htmlTú eres santo, Señor Dios único, que haces maravillas.
Tú eres fuerte, tú eres grande, tú eres altísimo, tú eres rey omnipotente,
tú, Padre santo, rey del cielo y de la tierra.Tú eres trino y uno, Señor Dios de dioses,
tú eres el bien, todo el bien, el sumo bien,
Señor Dios vivo y verdadero.Tú eres amor, caridad; tú eres sabiduría,
tú eres humildad, tú eres paciencia, tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre,
tú eres seguridad, tú eres quietud,
tú eres gozo, tú eres nuestra esperanza y alegría, tú eres justicia,
tú eres templanza, tú eres toda nuestra riqueza a satisfacción.Tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre; tú eres protector,
tú eres custodio y defensor nuestro;
tú eres fortaleza, tú eres refrigerio.Tú eres esperanza nuestra, tú eres fe nuestra,
tú eres caridad nuestra, tú eres toda dulzura nuestra,
tú eres vida eterna nuestra:
Grande y admirable Señor, Dios omnipotente, misericordioso Salvador.El Significado de las antífonas de la O y la Fiesta de la expectación del Parto
https://www.aciprensa.com/recursos/el-significado-de-las-antifonas-de-la-o-y-la-fiesta-de-la-expectacion-del-parto-178417 de diciembre O Sapientia: ¡Oh Sabiduría “Oh Sabiduría, oh santa Palabra de Dios, tú gobiernas toda la creación con tu cuidado fuerte pero gentil. Ven y muestra a tu pueblo el camino de la salvación”!. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres amor, caridad; tú eres sabiduría,
tú eres humildad, tú eres paciencia, tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre”, (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)18 de diciembre O Adonai: “Oh sagrado Señor del antiguo Israel, que te mostraste a Moisés en la zarza ardiente, que le diste la santa ley en el monte Sinaí: ven, extiende tu mano poderosa para liberarnos. “Tú eres el santo Señor Dios que hace cosas maravillosas”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres fuerte, tú eres grande, tú eres altísimo, tú eres rey omnipotente,
tú, Padre santo, rey del cielo y de la tierra”. (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)19 de diciembre O Radix Jesse: “Oh Flor del tallo de Jesé, has sido levantada como signo para todos los pueblos; Los reyes callan ante ti; las naciones se postran en adoración ante ti. Venid, que nada os impida acudir en nuestra ayuda”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres seguridad, tú eres quietud,
tú eres gozo, tú eres nuestra esperanza y alegría, tú eres justicia,
tú eres templanza, tú eres toda nuestra riqueza a satisfacción”. (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)20 de diciembre O Clavis David: “Oh Llave de David, oh Poder real de Israel, que controlas a tu voluntad la puerta del cielo: ven, derriba los muros de la prisión de la muerte para los que habitan en tinieblas y sombra de muerte; y lleva a tu pueblo cautivo a la libertad”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres protector,
tú eres custodio y defensor nuestro;
tú eres fortaleza, tú eres refrigerio”. (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)21 de diciembre O Oriens: “Oh Aurora Radiante, esplendor de luz eterna, sol de justicia: ven, brilla sobre los que habitan en tinieblas y sombra de muerte”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
”Tú eres gozo, tú eres nuestra esperanza y alegría, tú eres justicia,
tú eres templanza, tú eres toda nuestra riqueza a satisfacción.” (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)22 de diciembre O Rex Gentium: “Oh Rey de todas las naciones, único gozo de todo corazón humano; Oh piedra angular del poderoso arco del hombre, ven y salva a la criatura que creaste del polvo”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres rey omnipotente,
tú, Padre santo, rey del cielo y de la tierra”. (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)23 de diciembre O Emmanuel: “Oh Emmanuel, rey y legislador, deseo de las naciones, Salvador de todos los pueblos, ven y libéranos, Señor Dios nuestro. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres toda dulzura nuestra,
tú eres vida eterna nuestra:
Grande y admirable Señor, Dios omnipotente, misericordioso Salvador”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)Para discutir o comentar en su diario
+ ¿Cómo le ayuda el texto de las “Alabanzas de Dios” para entender cómo piensa San Francisco sobre Dios?
+ Piense en las Alabanzas, tal vez durante la Adoración, ¿Cómo influyen en su cercanía y relación con Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo?
+ Cada día durante el resto del Adviento, piense en la “Antífona O” del día a la luz de las Alabanzas de Dios. Platique o comente sobre su experiencia de oración en su diario.
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
Building Relationships with the help of Jesus
(This article originally appeared in the Fall TAU-USA Issue #110)
By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, National Minister
Relationships is the third aspect of our national focus for 2022-2025. The Gospel and our Rule call us to be in relationship. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt 18:20 NAB
Reflecting on Jesus’ reminder from Matthew 18:20 – if two or three are gathered in his name, then He is there, we recognize that relationships with our Franciscan family members are especially important.
From August 22, the National Fraternity Council experienced our fraternal and pastoral visitations as required by Article 26 of the OFS Rule and Articles 92-95 of the OFS General Constitutions. We are connected with our fourth fraternity – the international fraternity. Through this process, we continued to build relationships with our international family. Although the official report is not expected for several months, the initial feedback was overall positive. The visitation identified areas for us to work on which fit in with our priorities and theme.
Over the last year, the National Executive Council (NEC) has worked on building or enhancing relationships with the Regional Executive Councils (RECs). We learned that some of our RECs have grappled with issues. Relationships are strained. Some relationships are wounded because of harsh behavior. We received a report of blatant racist behavior.
When relationships are good – it is easy for them to flourish. What are our reactions when the relationship is strained a bit? What happens if there is conflict?
Of course, none of us are perfect. We are called to live the Gospel. We will fall short at times. However, there is no place for racist attitudes or remarks in living the Gospel. Respectful dialogue is critical for our fraternal way of life. However, as we know from OFS Rule Article 7, we are called to daily, ongoing conversion. Thus, we must never lose hope that our transgressions can be overcome. We must take it seriously and be committed to start again each day.
For council members encountering these situations, they may need to implement Jesus’ teachings referenced earlier in Matthew 18 (verses 151n which are also woven into the procedures specified in our General Constitutions Articles 56.2 and 58.2. If our members don’t feel they have the skills to effectively address the issues, then please reach out to the other council members or the members of the next higher council level for assistance.
Let us be encouraged to look for opportunities to build relationships:
- within or outside the Franciscan family (OFS Rule Articles 1, 2, 12,17,19),
- with other members of the Church (OFS Rule Articles 5, 6, 8),
- with people in our communities (OFS Rule Articles 13,14,15, 16) or
- with the non-human part of creation (OFS Rule Articles 1 1, 18).
I am challenged to embrace the opportunities for perfect joy, so that God’s glory can shine. May the Holy Spirit lead us as we listen, discern, and go forth to build up the kingdom of God.
Formation Friday December 8, 2023 – Advent
Advent is a time of waiting and meditation. We think about the coming of our Lord and Savior in the Incarnation and the part that Mary and Joseph played in his life. During this month we can use the words in the graphic (or the word bank below) in our prayer and meditation to focus on the meaning of this season. St. Francis was devoted to the Incarnation. This devotion came out in his prayer, his writings and in his actions.
Here are some ideas to put a Franciscan flavor in your Advent meditations:
· Choose a word or two from the word bank each day and see where those words or ideas come up in our Rule.
· Choose a word or two and see where they come up in Scripture—perhaps in the readings of the day or in the psalms as you pray the Liturgy of the Hours.
· Think of stories in Scripture and in the writings by and about Francis and Clare that typify hope and patience.
· Read online or in books that you have at home:
1 Celano chapter 30 (The story of the first Nativity scene at Greccio) (FA:ED, vol. 1, 254)
https://franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/695-fa-ed-1-page-254A Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (FA:ED, vol. 1, 163)
The Praises of God (FA:ED, vol. 1, 109)
St. Clare’s Fourth Letter to Agnes of Prague (CA:ED, 56)
The references above (FA:ED and CA:ED) refer to Francis of Assisi: Early Documents and Clare of Assisi: Early Documents. These and many more writings of and about Francis and Clare can be found on the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition website:
https://franciscantradition.org/
Word Bank
Poverty, Peace, Emmanuel, Promise, Yes, Joy, Hope, Anticipation, Waiting, Praise, Generosity, Humility, Simplicity, Mary, Jesus, Joseph, Forgiveness, Mercy, Listening, Patience, Pilgrims, Strangers, Conversion, Incarnation, Greccio,
Manger
+++++++++++++++++++++
Formación 8 de diciembre, 2023 (Comparta con su fraternidad.)
El Adviento es una temporada de espera y meditación. Pensamos en la venida de nuestro Señor y Salvador en la Encarnación y el papel que María y José desarrollaron en su vida. Durante este mes podemos usar las palabras del banco de palabras abajo en nuestra oración y meditación para enfocarnos en el significado de esta temporada. San Francisco se dedicó a la Encarnación. Esta devoción se manifestó en su oración, sus escritos y sus acciones.
Aquí hay algunas ideas para darle un toque franciscano a sus meditaciones de Adviento:
• Elija una palabra o dos del banco de palabras cada día y vea dónde esas palabras o ideas aparecen en nuestra Regla.
• Elija una palabra o dos y vea dónde aparecen en las Escrituras, tal vez en las lecturas del día o en los salmos mientras reza la Liturgia de las Horas.
• Piense en historias en las Escrituras y en los escritos de Francisco y Clara y sobre ellos que tipifican la esperanza y la paciencia.
• Lea en Internet o en libros que tenga en casa:
1 Celano capítulo 30 (La historia del primer pesebre de Greccio) (FA: ED, vol. 1, 254)
Capítulo XXX (30)
http://www.franciscanos.org/fuentes/1Cel03.html (en español)Un saludo de la Santísima Virgen María (FA: ED, vol. 1, 163)
https://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/salvm.htmlLas alabanzas del Dios altísimo (FA: ED, vol. 1, 109)
http://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/ald.htmlCuarta carta de Santa Clara a Agnes de Praga (CA: ED, 56)
http://www.franciscanos.org/esscl/ctacla4.htmlLas referencias anteriores en inglés (FA: ED y CA: ED) se refieren a Francisco de Asís: Primeros documentos y Clara de Asís: Primeros documentos. Estos y muchos más escritos de Francisco y Clara se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la Tradición Intelectual Franciscana: (en inglés)
https://franciscantradition.org/
Excelente sitio en español: http://www.franciscanos.org/frandp/menup.html
Banco de palabras
Pobreza, Paz, Emanuel, Promesa, Sí, Alegría, Esperanza, Anticipación, Espera, Alabanza, Generosidad, Humildad, Sencillez, María, Jesús, José, Perdón, Misericordia, Escucha, Paciencia, Peregrinos, Extranjeros, Conversión, Encarnación, Greccio, Pesebre
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
Formation Friday December 1, 2023 – Greccio Event
Thank you to Terri Leone, OFS, member of the National Centenary Task Force for contributing this piece.
1223 Greccio Event: Can it touch/inspire us Secular Franciscans in 2023 as much as it did the townspeople of Greccio in 1223?
Both Thomas of Celano & St. Bonaventure in their “Life of St. Francis” state that there were two major events in Jesus’ life that greatly touched St. Francis’ heart & influenced his life. They were Christ’s Incarnation and His Passion/Death.
As you have probably heard or read by now, starting this year, 2023, the whole Franciscan Family is starting to commemorate a series of 8th Centenaries (800th anniversaries) of five important events in St. Francis’ life: The Later Rule, 1223 Greccio Christmas, the Stigmata, “The Canticle of the Creatures” & St. Francis’s “Last Easter”/death.
{Before going further please read the “Greccio” story. Thomas of Celano’s version may be found on our website at https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/Greccio-Christmas_Celano.pdf }
You may access other content on Greccio and the Centenaries on our website:
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/franciscan-centenary-celebration/Were you surprised to read that St. Francis’ inspiration included only an ox, an ass & a bed of straw? I was. It was St. Francis’ intention to rekindle in his brothers & in the townspeople a deeper love for & understanding of God’s superabundant love for us & His immense humility by willingly taking on a human body with its limitations without giving up His Divinity. Christ could have come as a powerful, mighty political leader or as an important religious leader. Instead, He chose to arrive as an innocent, loving, happy, totally dependent-on-others baby. Not only that, but He chose to be born in an animal shelter, one of the lowest abodes there could be – just so He could make Himself available to all people & all of creation. This was His nursery and first home. Would you have chosen such a home for yourself or your children? Jesus willingly assumed a human nature so that He could be “the Word (of God) made flesh Who lived among us;” He was “the Light of the World” to show each of us how our Father/Creator wants us to live.
Questions for discussion with a partner, in fraternity, or in your journal:
+Have you thought of yourself as a “home” for Jesus? What would your life look like if you did/do?
+Have you thought of yourself as carrying Jesus with you wherever you go? With whomever? Having Him share your conversations & activities?
+How would these activities change if you did?
ADVENT CHALLENGE: Picture yourself in the empty stable waiting for the arrival of Mary and Joseph, and, eventually, Jesus. See if you can describe the anticipation you feel. See if you can describe the feeling St. Francis had that moved him to share the moment of Incarnation with everyone.
Formación 10 de diciembre de 2023
Gracias a Terri Leone, OFS, miembro del Grupo de Trabajo Nacional del Centenario por contribuir con este artículo.
Evento de Greccio 1223: ¿Puede conmovernos/inspirarnos a los franciscanos seglares en 2023 tanto como lo hizo a la gente del pueblo de Greccio en 1223?
Tanto Tomás de Celano como San Buenaventura en su “Vida de San Francisco” afirman que hubo dos acontecimientos importantes en la vida de Jesús que tocaron enormemente el corazón de San Francisco e influyeron en su vida. Eran la Encarnación de Cristo y Su Pasión/Muerte.
Como probablemente ya habrá escuchado o leído, a partir de este año 2023, toda la Familia Franciscana está comenzando a conmemorar una serie de VIII Centenarios (800 aniversarios) de cinco eventos importantes en la vida de San Francisco: La Regla Bulada, 1223 Navidad de Greccio, los estigmas, “El cántico de las criaturas” y la “Última Pascua”/la muerte de San Francisco.
{Antes de seguir, por favor, lea la historia de “Greccio”. La versión de Tomás de Celano se puede encontrar aquí en español: https://www.franciscanos.org/enciclopedia/navidad1223.html
Puede acceder a otros contenidos sobre Greccio y los Centenarios en español en el sitio web de CIOFS: https://ciofs.info/es/projects/8th-centenary-events/ También en inglés en el sitio web de OFS-USA https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/franciscan-centenary-celebration/
¿Le sorprendió leer que la inspiración de San Francisco incluía sólo un buey, un asno y un lecho de paja? La intención de San Francisco fue de reavivar en sus hermanos y en la gente del pueblo un amor y una comprensión más profundos del amor superabundante de Dios por nosotros y su inmensa humildad, tomando voluntariamente carne humana con sus limitaciones sin renunciar a Su Divinidad. Cristo podría haber venido como un líder político poderoso y poderoso o como un líder religioso importante. En cambio, eligió llegar como un bebé inocente, amoroso, feliz y totalmente dependiente de los demás. No solo eso, sino que Él eligió nacer en un refugio de animales, una de las moradas más bajas que podrían existir, solo para poder estar disponible para todas las personas y toda la creación. Esta fue su guardería y su primer hogar. ¿Habría usted elegido una casa así para usted o sus hijos? Jesús asumió voluntariamente una naturaleza humana para poder ser “el Verbo (de Dios) hecho carne, que vivió entre nosotros”; Él era “la Luz del Mundo” para mostrarnos a cada uno de nosotros cómo nuestro Padre/Creador quiere que vivamos.
Preguntas para discutir con un compañero, en fraternidad o en su diario:
+¿Ha pensado en usted mismo como un “hogar” para Jesús? ¿Cómo sería su vida si lo hiciera?
+¿Ha pensado que lleva a Jesús con usted dondequiera que vaya? ¿Que Él comparta sus conversaciones y actividades?
+¿Cómo cambiarían estas actividades si lo hiciera?
DESAFÍO DE ADVIENTO : Imagínese en el establo vacío esperando la llegada de María y José y, finalmente, de Jesús. Intente describir la anticipación que siente. A ver si puede describir el sentimiento que tuvo San Francisco que lo impulsó a compartir con todos el momento de la Encarnación.
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
MARANATHA: We long for your coming, O God!
 100vw, 150px” data-recalc-dims=”1″></p><p id=)
Mary Francis Charsky, International CouncilorDuring December we ardently await and long for God’s presence. We yearn for God’s son Jesus to come among us in peace and joy. In Advent we are hoping and wishing that we are ready for the coming of the Christ Child. We humbly seek and pray for forgiveness and mercy. These themes are remembered in the hymn, “Maranatha” by Gerald Chiusano.
As Franciscans we realize that Jesus is a precious gift from God the Father. Jesus is coming for all of us, all of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Let us consider, imagine and reflect upon OFS Rule Article 13. “As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so 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 who they shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ.”
Do you believe that we have such wonderful gifts given to us? All people are gifts from God. Our very life is a gift from God. We have an obligation to protect and care for ourselves as well as our brothers and sisters. This includes fraternal harmony, thoughtful dialogue and trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone. It includes the transforming power of love, pardon and mercy, both given and received. Is this what we long for? During Advent we are praying and searching for understanding of these precious gifts, the awesome gift of Jesus and the gifts of all of our sisters and brothers throughout the world.
During Advent we can refer to the Infancy Narrative in Luke 1:5 – 2:52. Like the Blessed Mother we open our hearts with great anticipation of being in the presence of the Divine Infant, our Messiah! In December, we observe two feast days honoring the Mother of God, which offer us deeper reflection during Advent. December 8th, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, prepares Our Lady to be the Mother of Our Savior; integral to the Christmas miracle and salvation history. Dec. 12th, Our Lady of Guadalupe, depicts Mary as the expectant Mother of Jesus. Let us, like Mary, prepare for the birth of Jesus and, as St. Francis gave witness, be “heralds of the Great King” as we share the good news by the way we live our lives!
