The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 1st Sunday in Lent – Fr. Christopher
Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR, joins us on our Lenten journeys to warn us of the temptations that can thwart our conversion, and to remind us of the Incarnation, which imbues our world with goodness.
“These Lenten days are meant to lead us into a different view of things. Individuals begin to come into a more benevolent focus as we give over our prejudice and disordered judgment. Then, we view others with compassion: we see all the different people on the face of the earth, so varied in dress and behavior. Some are white and others black. Some at peace and others at war. Some weeping and others laughing. Some well and others sick. Some being born and others dying. Personal conversion has induced a sharp sense of the struggles and mystery of others. They are no longer beasts.”
Read the full text of this Sunday’s homily here: 1st Sunday in Lent – Fr. Christopher (text)
View his homily here: 1st Sunday in Lent – Fr. Christopher (video)
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/02/17/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-1st-sunday-in-lent-fr-christopher/
Voices of Gospel Living: Privilege
NEC Councilor Cherryle Fruge sent this beautiful reflection to one of her fraternities. It is shared here to remind us of the wonderful presence of God in our lives as we continue to listen for the voices of Gospel living.
By Cherryle Fruge, OFS
Cherryle FrugeDear Beloved People of God,
I apologize for my absence. I am getting far behind on a writing project that I had promised to have completed by the end of January. Please pray for me.
Since I could not be present, I wanted to leave a part of me with you… the musings within my heart. This morning something caught my attention on the second mystery of the Seven Joys of Mary. It occurred at the visitation between Mary and Elizabeth.
I thought of the word, “privilege.” I am a slow learner trying to understand certain words, but I remember the first time the word “privilege” flowed out of my mouth.
It was an honor to even express it, namely because I sensed without a doubt, what I was saying was influenced by God’s grace and in the presence of the Holy Spirit. That humbling moment helped me to understand what a privilege it was to speak in the presence of our Lord.
With the thought of that profound experience, I came back to what Elizabeth must have felt when Mary, the mother of Jesus, came to visit … how powerful do you think this privilege was?
The privilege was so powerful that it caused the baby in her womb to leap.
This is Leap Year and as we approach that extra day on Feb. 29 I urge you to pay close attention to what might cause your soul to leap as you come to encounter the crucified Jesus, and the results of His resurrection.
It might be very worthwhile to journal when you discover that privileged moment in His presence.
Please know that when I am with all of you, my soul leaps with joy, because I see Jesus present in you!!
His peace be with you,
Cherryle
His humbled little spiritual assistant
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/02/16/34055/