Franciscan Spirit

2/6/19 7:30 AM

Faith and Family for February 6: Go Cast Your Nets

By Susan Hines-Brigger

Read LK 5:1-11 While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply,

2/5/19 7:00 AM

A Celebration of Saints

By Jim Van Vurst, OFM

Each time we pray the Nicene Creed, we say, “I believe in the communion of saints.” This statement is filled with profound implications for what it means to be the family of God. You and I are brothers and sisters, children of God created in his own image and likeness. In fact, all human beings are our sisters and brothers.

2/4/19 7:00 AM

Lent and Forgiveness

By Jim Van Vurst, OFM

Lent presents to us God’s infinite love for all humankind. So many teachings in the gospel emphasize the mercy of God, which is surely one of the reasons the Gospels are constantly read. Most never tire of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:1-32). The scene is so easy to picture in our minds. The son has taken off on his own, expecting to set the world on fire, and in the end he is the one who gets burned. He has dishonored his father in a most horrific way.

2/4/19 7:00 AM

The Lord Is My Shepherd: A Look at Psalm 23

By Jack Wintz, OFM

For most people who like to pray the psalms, Psalm 23 is clearly a favorite. My prayer is that, with the gracious help of the Holy Spirit, we may each come to a fuller understanding of this psalm. May we be drawn, like a humble lamb, to trust the good shepherd, who watches over us with total love. May this popular psalm become for us a prayer of simple trust!

2/1/19 7:00 AM

Saint Francis, Peacemaker

By Murray Bodo, OFM

“Being a peacemaker,” Friar Murray Bodo says, “can be a thankless task.” But the role of the peacemaker is essential. Saint Francis of Assisi surely understood that. He embraced those who were categorized as “the enemy” and offered himself as a living bridge of peace.

1/31/19 7:00 AM

A Doer’s Prayer

By Stephen Copeland

This time of year, for many, can be an overwhelming confrontation with all that there is to do. The holidays fade away. The decorations come down. We return to the world, carried along by our resolutions or our goals, our dreams for the year, or our need to make up for lost time over the holidays. We are thrown back onto the treadmill. Each day is just another step forward on the doer’s march.

1/31/19 7:00 AM

Let Children Express Themselves

By Dr. Ray Guarendi

Yes, we want children to express themselves—thoughts, feelings, frustrations. Yes, we want them to know we’re ready to listen, even to what we’d rather not hear. Yes, the more open they are, the better. No, they can’t express themselves however they wish.

1/30/19 7:30 AM

Faith and Family: A Less Than Warm Welcome

By Susan Hines-Brigger

Read LK 4:21-30 Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?" He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'" And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.

1/30/19 7:00 AM

The Secret Challenge of Lenten Giving

By Nick Luken

Every time Lent comes around, the perfectionist in me starts showing its face more than usual. I always start the season with the intention of doing more than just giving up chocolate or something simple like that, but sometimes I go a little overboard with my Lenten commitments and end up having to ease up on some of them.

1/29/19 7:00 AM

Saint Francis and the Marrow of the Gospel

By Richard Rohr, OFM

Many people have lost heart today because we feel confused and powerless. The “powers and principalities” seem overwhelming: consumerism, racism, militarism, patriarchy, climate change, the corporate juggernaut. We feel helpless to choose our own lives, much less a common life, or to see any overarching meaning. The world is so complex, and we are so small. What can we do but let the waves of history carry us and try to keep afloat somehow?

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