A Trinity of Explanations …

… hidden by the veil of faith and enveloped, so to speak, by a kind of darkness

Can you remember ever having the Trinity explained to you – in a way that was satisfactory, at least?    Did the teacher resort to the shamrock analogy?   Did the person giving this dissertation understand the Father and the Son but somehow drift away when it came to the Holy Spirit, words like “dove” and “wind” and “flame” threatening to trip off the lips?   Has that person been you?  If you ever failed to satisfy an enquiring mind about the technicalities of the Holy Trinity, don’t feel bad.    After hundreds of years of explanation, education and philosophical discourse, the First Vatican Council in De Fide Catholica, the Trinity was proclaimed to be a mystery, hidden by the veil of faith, obscured from us.

Lawrence Klauss, atheist theoretical physicist and cosmologist, is typical of many who simply cannot accept the inexlpicable nature of the Trinity.  He calls this the result of “silly stories from Iron Age peasants” which, if not humourous, is an astonishing take on the longevity of Scripture.    However, the myriad of explanations of the Trinity pale when one considers the reality of a Trinitarian God.    I’ve got three little Franciscan reflections for you … (no authoritative source) …

The Absent God

There have been books written about the “loneliness” of God, somehow remote in the Universe and dispassionately observing humanity as though we were some mystical ant-farm.   For all of us, God can appear to be absent, especially when things are going disastrously.   For Francis, God was always present through Jesus Christ: one only had to turn to the New Testament or experience the Eucharist or to meditate upon the human experiences of Jesus that links him to ourselves to render God not only present but part of the fabric of our very being.   And that comfort is the Holy Spirit.

The Family of God

Franciscans believe in the interconnectedness of all Creation which reflects the in-dwelling of God.   In the Canticle of the Creatures, the “Father” is not mentioned, with the assumption that this is God the Creator.   Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, and the Holy Spirit which is the force that motivates us to be, in turn, Creators of our own, bringing forth the next generation in God’s family.

The Endless Mystery

There is a misunderstood saying, “if you meet Buddha on the road, kill him”.   This is meant to suggest that we can kill the wellsprings of faith if we are too caught up with a final answer, a solution or a great reveal to the mystery.  Why try?  Half the fun of faith is that you don’t need all the answers, only the questions.   Francis, is in simplicity and love of the present, didn’t seem keen to lock himself away in an observatory and try to plot out the nature of God using algebra.

Hope that makes the next time someone asks you to explain the Trinity a little easier!  🙂

Bro Matt is in Sydney for the time-being.

FRANCISCAN READINGS FOR THIS WEEK!  LOL!!!  🙂

TRINITY SUNDAY 26th May.

‘The Praises to be said at all the Hours’, by Saint Francis.

Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty,
who is, and who was and who is to come: And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive
praise, glory and honour and blessing.
And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
The Lamb who was slain is worthy to receive
power and divinity, wisdom and strength, honour and glory and blessing.
And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
Let us bless the Father and the Son with the Holy Spirit:
And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.
And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants
and you who fear God, the small and the great.
And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
Let heaven and earth praise him who is glorious. And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
Every creature in heaven, on earth and under the earth; and in the sea and those which are in it. And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.
And let us praise and glorify him for ever.
All powerful, Most Holy, Most High, supreme God:
all good, supreme good, totally good, you who alone are good,
may we give you all praise, all glory, all thanks, all honour, all blessing, and all good.
So be it! So be it! Amen.

Monday, 27th May.

A reading from ‘The Legend of the Three Companions’of Saint Francis.

Blessed Francis proposed to ask the Lord Pope Honorius that one of the Cardinals of the Roman Church be a sort of pope of his Order: that is, the Lord Bishop of Ostia, to whom the brothers could have recourse in their dealings.  For blessed Francis had had a vision which led him to ask for the Cardinal, and to entrust the Order to the Roman Church. He saw a hen that was small and black, with feathered legs and the feet of a domestic dove. It had so many chicks that it was unable to gather them all under its wings, and so they wandered all around her in circles. Waking from sleep, he began to think about this vision and,immediately, he perceived by means of the Holy Spirit that the hen symbolized him. ‘I am that hen,’ he said, ‘short in stature and dark by nature. I must be simple like a dove, flying up to heaven with the feathered strokes of virtue. The Lord in his mercy has given, and will give me, many sons whom I will be unable to protect with my own strength. I must, therefore, commend them to the holy Church who will protect and guide them under the shadow of her wings.

Lord, you have given your Order the blessing of many brothers.  May our leadership shelter us in the shadow of their wings as they guide us into the future.  Amen.

Tuesday, 28th May

A reading from ‘The Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul’, by Thomas of Celano.
Saint Francis once visited Pope Gregory of venerable memory, at that time holding a lesser office. When it was time for dinner, he went out for alms and, on his return, he placed some crusts of black bread on the bishop’s table. When the bishop saw this, he was rather embarrassed, especially since there were dinner guests he had invited for the first time. The father, however, with a smile on his face, distributed the alms he had received to the knights and chaplains who were his table companions, and they all accepted them with remarkable devotion. Some ate the crusts, while others saved them out of reverence.  When the meal was over, the bishop got up from the table and, taking the man of God aside to a private place, lifting up his arms he embraced him. ‘My brother,’ he said, ‘why did you shame me in a house, which is yours and your brothers, by going out for alms?’ The saint replied, ‘I showed you honour instead, while I honoured a greater Lord. For the Lord is pleased by poverty, and especially when one freely chooses to go begging. As for me, I consider it a royal dignity and an outstanding nobility to follow that Lord who, though he was rich, became poor for our sake.’ And he added, ‘I get greater delight from a poor table, set with some little alms, than from a great table with so many dishes that they can hardly be numbered.’   The bishop, greatly edified, said to the saint, ‘My son, do what seems good in your eyes, for the Lord is with you.’

Lord, may the simplicity of our life be a pleasure for those who visit with us.  Help us to always render hospitality with honesty and integrity.  Amen.

Wednesday, 29th May.

A reading from ‘The Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul’, by Thomas of Celano.

Once, when Francis was returning from Verona and wished to pass through Bologna, he heard that a new house of the brothers had been built there. And just because he heard the words ‘house of the brothers’, he changed course and went by another route, avoiding Bologna. Furthermore, he commanded the brothers to leave the house quickly. For this reason the house was abandoned; and even the sick could not stay, but were thrown out with the rest of them. And they did not get permission to return there until Lord Hugo, who was then Bishop of Ostia and Legate in Lombardy, declared while preaching in public that this house was his. And he who writes this and bears witness to it was at that time thrown out from that house while he was sick.

Lord, our attachments to this passing world are many.   Help us to treat with contempt those things which would hold us back.  Give us the courage to walk freely through life unencumbered.  Amen.

Thursday, 30th May.

A reading from ‘The Assisi Compilation

When blessed Francis reached Florence, he found there Lord Hugolino, the Bishop of Ostia, who later became Pope. He had been sent by Pope Honorius as a legate for the Duchy of Tuscany, and Lombardy, and the Marches of Treviso as far as Venice. The Lord Bishop greatly rejoiced at his arrival, but when he heard from blessed Francis that he wanted to go to France, he prohibited him from going, telling him, ‘Brother, I do not want you to go beyond the mountains, because there are many prelates and others who would willingly block the religion’s interests in the Roman Curia. The other Cardinals and I, who love your religion, can protect and help it more willingly if you stay within the confines of this region.’  But blessed Francis said to him, ‘Lord, it is a great shame to me, if I remain in these regions when I send my brothers to remote and far away regions.’ The Lord Bishop, however, said to him as if rebuking him, ‘Why did you send your brothers so far away to die of hunger and to so many other trials?’ In great fervour of spirit, and in the spirit of prophecy, blessM Francis answered him, ‘My Lord Bishop, do you think or believe that the Lord sent the brothers only for these regions? But I tell you in truth that the Lord chose and sent the brothers for the benefit and salvation of the souls of all people in the whole world andthey should be received not only in the land of believers, but also in that of non-believers. As long as they observe what they promised the Lord, the Lord will minister to them in the land of non-believers as well as in the countries of believers.’  The Lord Bishop marvelled at his words and admitted that he spoke the truth. But the Lord Bishop did not allow him to go to France. Instead, blessed Francis sent Brother Pacifico there with other brothers, and he returned to the valley of Spoleto.

Lord, you sometimes send us where we do not wish to go.   May we go bravely into the unknown and take the comfort of your presence with us.  Amen.

Friday, 31st May. – Visitation

Mary visits her relative Elizabeth; they are both pregnant. Mary is pregnant with Jesus and Elizabeth is pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary left Nazareth immediately after the Annunciation and went to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to attend her cousin Elizabeth. The journey was about 100 miles and Elizabeth was in the sixth month before Mary came (Luke 1:36), Mary stayed three months and departed just before John was born. Catholics believe that the purpose of this visit was to bring divine grace to both Elizabeth and her unborn child. Even though he was still in his mother’s womb, John became aware of the presence of his Divine Saviour; he leapt for joy as he was cleansed from original sin and filled with divine grace. Elizabeth also responded and recognised the presence of Jesus. Thus Mary, now for the first time, exercised her function as mediatrix between God and man.  Elizabeth remarks to Mary: “And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb. And whence [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord (Luke 1:42–45).” It is also at this point, in response to Elizabeth’s remark, that Mary proclaims the Magnificat (My soul doth magnify the Lord), Luke 1:46–55, for which reason this canticle had traditionally been reserved for this feast day.

A reading from ‘The Assisi Compilation’

Those two bright lights of the world, namely Saint Francis and Saint Dominic, were once in the City with the Lord Bishop of Ostia, who later became Supreme Pontiff. As they took turns pouring out honey-sweet words about the Lord God, the Bishop finally said to them, ‘In the early church, the church’s shepherds were poor, and men of charity, not on fire with greed. Why do we not make bishops and prelates of your brothers who excel in teaching and example.’  There arose a disagreement between the saints about answering, neither wishing to go first, but rather each deferring to the other. Each urged the other to reply. Each seemed superior to the other, since each was devoted to the other. At last, humility conquered Francis as he did not speak first, but it also conquered Dominic, since in speaking first, he humbly obeyed Francis. Blessed Dominic therefore answered the Bishop, ‘My lord, my brothers are already raised to a good level, if they will only realize it, and as much as possible I would not allow them to obtain any other appearance of dignity.’ As this brief response ended, blessd Francis bowed to the Bishop and said, ‘My lord, my brothers are called “lesser” precisely so they will not presume to become “greater”. They have been called this to teach them to stay down to earth, and to follow the footprints of Christ’s humility, which in the end will exalt them above others in the sight of the saints. If you want them to bear fruit in the Church of God, keep them in the status in which they were called and hold them to it. Bring them back down to ground level even against their will. Never allow them to rise to become prelates.’  When they finished their replies, the Lord Bishop of Ostia was greatly edified by the words of both and gave unbounded thanks to God.

Lord, may we take pride in our “minority”.  Send us among your people to be one with the lowly and unloved.  Amen.

Saturday, 1st June.

A reading from the writings of Bartholomew of Pisa.

When the blessed Francis was once staying in the place now known as ‘Saint Francis’ Cell’, he was visited by the Lord Cardinal Ugolino, who was afterwards Bishop of Ostia, and finally Pope Gregory IX. When the blessed Francis saw him coming, he took to his heels and fled into the very heart of the mountains. The Cardinal followed him alone and eventually managed to catch up with him. When they were together, Ugolino asked the blessM Francis why he had run away from him, seeing that he loved him and the Order so dearly. To which Francis replied, ‘My lord and father, the reason why I fled was that I am but a poor man, wretched and worthless, and am put to great confusion when so noble a lord as you are condescends to speak to so poor a creature as I.’ Then, after much talk together about holy things, the Cardinal said, ‘Tell me now, Brother Francis, for the love of God, what I ought to do; for I cannot decide whether to remain as a Cardinal or whether to join your Order and throw over all worldly ambition. As the Lord lives, I will do whatever you tell me.’ Then Saint Francis said to him, ‘0 my lord, you are a man of great wisdom and can do much good to the world by remaining as a Cardinal. Yet, at the same time, were you to join the Order it would act as a great example to the world, inspiring the hearts of many to serve Christ; for you are also a great preacher and by your eloquence many would be turned to Christ. So, as God at present gives me no guidance in this matter, I fear I am unable to tell you which of the two things you ought to do.’ And so Saint Francis had to leave him still undecided as to whether he should join the Order or not. But Francis prophesied that, in the fullness of time, Ugolino would become Pope; as indeed happened. Moreover, when he had become Pope, he once put on a habit, cord and sandals and went with the friars to visit the holy places in the city of Rome. One Maundy Thursday, thus attired, he went to carry out our Lord’s commandment that we should wash the feet of the poor. And while he was so doing, some of the poor men, not recognising who he was, drove him away, saying, ‘You do not know how to wash feet! Go away, and send some of the other brothers who can make a better job it it!’ And the Holy Father got up and meekly obeyed.

Lord, clothed in the habit of those who have gone before us, may we always stoop to wash the feet of our brothers and to rise with them as one in our mission of evangelical poverty.  Amen.

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Inspired Lives at Pentecost.

If you love me you will keep my commandments.
I shall ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate
to be with you for ever.

Inspiration.

The word itself gives a sense of spontaniety, ingenuity, change and excitement all rolled into one.   Inspire is derived from the word “to breathe into”, just as though the Holy Spirit was giving new life to the Apostles on Pentecost day, changing their lives and reviving their souls which were drooping in fear and loneliness after the ascension.

The Holy Spirit, pure energy pouring from God, has the power to change us and to breathe life into our sometimes empty existence.   We reflect it in our colloquial language – “a breath of fresh air” can be used to describe a welcome innovation or even a refreshing person to be around.   “Isn’t she a breath of fresh air?”  one might say to a new colleague who is happy and confident.   “Open the windows and let some fresh air in” one might refer to a review of policy or reflection upon the status quo.

And, just as in the story from the Acts of the Apostles, not everyone will be happy with a breath of fresh air and would like the windows kept firmly shut, thank you very much.    It would have been easy for those content with their staleness and happy in their rut to dismiss the Apostles as having had too much wine or as just plain mad.    These lifeless, grey people are everywhere, stamping out inspiration and nailing any creativity to the cross of useless paradigms.

The Holy Spirit drives us forward in our progression towards are the culmination of the life’s project – fullness of perfection in God.    Sometimes, this requires us to follow rather than lead and to put our faith in a different sort of Advocate.   But, with faith in God’s Holy Spirit, we will be never left in the dark and always kept in their shelter of God’s wings.

 

PENTECOST SUNDAY!

A reading from ‘The Office of the Passion’, by Saint Francis.

Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth, chant a psalm to his name
give glory to his praise.
Say to God: How awesome are your works, 0 Lord,
your enemies shall fawn upon you in the greatness of your strength.
Let all the earth adore you and sing a psalm to you,
let us chant a psalm to your name.
Come, listen, and I will tell you, all you who fear God,
how much he has done for my soul. I cried with my mouth to him
and I have exulted with my tongue. From his holy temple, he heard my voice and my cry reached his ears.
Bless our Lord, you peoples,
make the voice of his praise heard.
May all the tribes of the Lord be blessed in him and all nations will glorify him.
Blessd be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does great wonders.
Blessd forever be the name of his majesty,
and may all the earth be filled with his majesty.
Sobeit. Sobeit.

Monday, 20th May.

A reading from ‘The Life of Saint Francis’, by Thomas of Celano.

Francis was extremely determined and paid no attention to anything beyond what was of the Lord. Though he often preached the word of God among thousands of people, he was as confident as if he were speaking with a close friend. He used to view the largest crowd of people as if it were a single person, and he would preach fervently to a single person as if to a large crowd. Out of the purity of his mind he drew his confidence in preaching and, even without preparation, he used to say the most amazing things to everyone. Sometimes he prepared for his talk with some meditation, but once the people gathered he could not remember what he had meditated about and had nothing to say. Without any embarrassment, he would confess to the people that he had thought of many things before, but now he could not remember a thing. Sometimes he would be filled with such great eloquence that he moved the hearts of his hearers to astonishment. When he could not think of anything, he would give a blessing and send the people away, with this act alone as a very good sermon.

Lord, we do not need to be filled with knowledge to be eloquent preachers of your Word.  Send your Holy Spirit into the hearts of all preachers that they may be inspired to live the words they proclaim and offer blessing before they offer curse.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, 21st May.

A reading from ‘The Life of Saint Francis’, by Thomas of Celano.
Once, blessed Francis came to the city of Rome on a matter concerning the Order, and he greatly yearned to speak before the Lord Pope Honorius and the venerable Cardinals. Lord Hugo, the renowned Bishop of Ostia, venerated the holy man of God with special affection. When he learned of his arrival, Lord Hugo was filled with fear and joy, admiring the holy man’s fervour yet aware of his simple purity. Trusting to the mercy of the Almighty, that never fails the faithful in time of need, he led the holy man before the Lord Pope and the venerable Cardinals.  As he stood in the presence of so many princes of the Church, blessed Francis, after receiving permission and a blessing, fearlessly began to speak.

He was speaking with such fire of spirit
that he could not contain himself for joy.
As he brought forth the word from his mouth,
he moved his feet as if dancing,
not playfully but burning with the fire of divine love,
not provoking laughter but moving them to tears of sorrow.
For many of them were touched in their hearts,
amazed at the grace of God
and the great determination of the man.

Lord, may we speak fearlessly in those moments when courage is needed.  Send your Holy Spirit to enable us to use our voice to name injustice and to be a conscience for the Church.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, 22nd May.

A reading from ‘The Life of Saint Francis’, by Thomas of Celano.

The blessed father Francis was travelling through the Spoleto valley. He reached a place near Bevagna, in which a great multitude of birds of different types gathered, including doves, crows, and others commonly called monaclae. When Francis, the most blessed servant of God, saw them, he ran swiftly towards them, leaving his companions on the road. He was a man of great fervour, feeling much sweetness and tenderness even towards lesser, irrational creatures. When he was already very close, seeing that they awaited him, he greeted them in his usual way. He was quite surprised, however, because the birds did not take flight, as they usually do. Filled with great joy, he humbly requested that they listen to the word of God.  Among many other things, he said to them, ‘My brother birds, you should greatly praise your Creator, and love him always. He gave you feathers to wear, wings to fly, and whatever you need. God made you noble among his creatures and gave you a home in the purity of the air, so that, though you neither sow nor reap, he nevertheless protects and governs you without your least care.’ He himself, and those brothers who were with him, used to say that, at these words, the birds rejoiced in a wonderful way according to their nature. They stretched their necks, spread their wings, opened their beaks and looked at him. He passed through their midst, coming and going, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic. Then he blessed them and, having made the sign of the cross, gave them permission to fly off to another place. The blessed father, however, went with his companions along their way rejoicing and giving thanks to God.

Lord, all of creation gives praise to you.   Send your Holy Spirit to give us the simplicity to preach among the very birds of the air and within your created world, rejoicing in the beauty you have given to us.  Amen.

 

Thursday, 23rd May

A reading from ‘Five Feasts of the Child Jesus’, by Saint Bonaventure.

What is happening here? It is nothing other than the heavenly Father impregnating the soul, as it were, and making it fruitful by a divine seed. The power of the Most High comes upon the soul and overshadows it with a heavenly coolness, which tempers the desires of the flesh and gives help and strength to the eyes and to the spirit.
It is a joyous conception which leads to such contempt of the world and to such longing for heavenly works and the things of God. No matter how fleetingly up to this point, even in the midst of distress, the things of the Spirit have been tasted, the things of the flesh lose their savour.  Now, with Mary, the soul begins to climb the hill country because, after this conception, earthly things lose their attraction, and the soul longs for heavenly and eternal things. The soul begins to flee the company of those with minds set on earthly things and desires the friendship of those with hearts set on heavenly things. It begins to take care of Elizabeth, that is, to look to those who are enlightened by divine wisdom and ardently inflamed by love.  The faithful soul should consider well how pure, holy and devout was the conversation of the two saints, how godly and salutary their counsel, how admirable their holiness, and all they achieved to their mutual benefit, as they inspired one another by word and example towards greater virtue.  If you recognize that you have conceived God’s most dear Son by a sacred resolve to strive for perfection, then like a woman in labour, hasten with desire and longing towards a happy delivery.

Lord, may we bring to birth something great to benefit the nations.   Send your Holy Spirit to help us to be creative and generative in our lives and ministries.  Amen.

Friday, 24th May – OUR LAD HELP OF CHRISTIANS.

The feast day to Mary Help of Christians has been celebrated in Australia since 1844 but the history to this day dates back to the start of the 1800’s.

Napoleon Bonaparte had jailed Pius VI who died in jail. When Pope Pius VII was elected he too was jailed by Bonaparte, who kept him prisoner at Fontainbleau.

The Holy Father vowed to God that if he were restored to the Roman See, he would institute a special feast in honour of Mary.

The military eventually forced Bonaparte to release the Pope and on 24 May 1814, Pius VII returned in triumph to Rome.

Twelve months later the Pope decreed that the feast of Mary Help of Christians be kept on 24 May.

The infant church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. No priests were sent to the colony in its early days and Mass was not allowed except for one brief year until 1820. It was largely the Rosary in those early days that kept the faith alive.

Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary and was the first nation to choose her under the title Help of Christians, as principal Patroness.

 

A reading from ‘The Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul’, by Thomas of Celano.
Although the evangelist Francis preached to the simple, in simple, concrete terms, since he knew that virtue is more necessary than words, still, when he was among spiritual people with greater abilities he gave birth to life-giving and profound words.  With few words he would suggest what was inexpressible and, weaving movement with fiery gestures, he carried away all his hearers towards the things of heaven. He did not use the keys of distinctions, for he did not preach about things he had not himself discovered.  Christ, true Power and Wisdom, made his voice a voice of power. A physician, a learned and eloquent man, once said, ‘I remember the sermons of other preachers word for word, only what the saint, Francis, says eludes me. Even if I memorize some of his words, they do not seem to me like those that originally poured from his lips.’

Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.

 

 

Saturday, 24th May.

A reading from ‘The Legend of Saint Clare’.

Clare provided for her children, through dedicated preachers, the nourishment of the Word of God and from this she did not take a poorer portion. She was filled with such rejoicing at hearing a holy sermon; she delighted at such a remembrance of her Jesus that, once, when Brother Philip of Atri was preaching, a very splendid child stood by the Virgin Clare and during the greater part of the sermon delighted her with his sighs of joy. That sister who merited to see such a thing in her mother experienced an indescribable sweetness from the sight of this apparition.  Although she was not educated in the liberal arts, she nevertheless enjoyed listening to the sermons of those who were, because she believed that a nucleus lay hidden in the text that she would subtly perceive and enjoy with relish. She knew what to take out of the sermon of any preacher that might be profitable to the soul, while knowing that to pluck a flower from a wild thorn was no less prudent than to eat the fruit of a noble tree.  Once when Lord Pope Gregory forbade any brother to go to the monasteries of the Ladies without permission, the pious mother, sorrowing that her sisters would more rarely have the food of sacred teaching, sighed, ‘Let him now take away from us all the brothers since he has taken away those who provide us with the food that is vital.’

Lord, you send prophets in disguise.   Send the Holy Spirit to help us discern your wisdom people today so that we may learn from them and welcome them as your true ministers.  Amen.

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Bro Matt is in Sydney for the next few weeks!

Whoops! Mum’s response.

No, I’m not cooking tonight, mum.

Marie, Mums Are Moving Up In The World!

Sorry for this late post but I have moved temporarily down to Sydney for a bit of renewal and excitement.

It is not with a little irony that the Feast of the Ascension coincided this year with Mothers Day.   Last year, my own mother didn’t care for my reflection on her childrearing.  So, here’s a few more.

Each day, I listen to students whinge about their mothers (dads get off with “ask your mother” or “okay but your mother might have something to say about it”).  As I patiently nod and wait for the conversation to end with “I can’t wait to move out when I’m eighteen!” I laugh to myself.  At 37, my mother has the innate capacity to know when to ring to seek information.  “You still sound a bit thick in the throat,” she remarked after I mentioned I had had a cold.  “Off the cigs then, I hope…”  recommendations like these are all noted.  When I moved to England I was told not to come home with pneumonia.   When I went to Rome, I was warned off talking to any “funny people” (sidewalk mimes?).   When my twin brother and I were at Uni, we were questioned when we went home as to “whether either of you have ever walked past a pub before without one going into the bar and the other into the TAB?”   If we ever had a late night out in our home town, the next morning’s greeting would consist of “well, that’s probably the last time I can go into the newsagent’s/post office/bank again.”  My mum was quick off the phone quite abrupty this afternoon, “Got to go, now – someone’s at the door.”  That was until I realised that I was cutting into The Bold and The Beautiful time.  I wonder if Marie is wearing black now that Catherine Chancillor from Days just passed away.

What strikes me most is how my parents refer to looking after their grandchildren as “babysitting”.   There is no such word as ‘grandparenting’ but there should be.  I find that students are absolutely connected to their grandparents who even come to PTIs sometimes.  The wisdom and tradition that our parents give to us is indelibly imprinted on the next generation more than ever.  Mums and grandmums are on the rise.

Perhaps Francis had a problematic relationship with his father but not so his mother.  Pica was everything to him and was certainly the source of his compassion and nurturing of all creation.   And the hardest thing for her, as with all of our mothers, is to let us go.

Jesus leaves his disciples on this Feast.  God only knows what thoughts traversed his mind about the future of the Church, his Father calling him to “let them go”.   Maybe the disciples won’t dress warmly.  Maybe they won’t call for weeks on end.  Maybe some of them will snatch the Church bulletin from the porch of the church in case there is a drill about what the homily was about the following day.  Maybe some of them will branch out from the core values of the family.  Maybe some will remain faithful.  Maybe they would all work it out over time to become something fruitful and beautiful.

Because that is what all of our parents have done for us – created something beautiful, fruitful and lovable.   What an incredible gift and one that we should always treasure.

If that isn’t proof of a generous God, then I don’t know what is.

I love you, mum and dad!!

Bro Matt is at Star of the Sea Friary.

oh those Protestants know how to do it!

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READINGS FOR THE 7th WEEK OF EASTER! LOL!!!! 🙂

‘The Salutation of the Virtues’, by Saint Francis.

Holy Wisdom confounds
Satan and all his cunning.
Pure holy Simplicity confounds
all the wisdom of this world
and the wisdom of the body.

Holy Poverty confounds
the desire for riches, greed,
and the cares of this world.

Holy Humility confounds
pride, all people who are in the world
and all that is in the world.

Holy Charity confounds
every diabolical and carnal temptation
and every carnal fear.

Holy Obedience confounds
every corporal and carnal wish,
binds its mortified body
to obedience of the Spirit
and obedience to one’s brother,
so that it is subject and submissive
to everyone in the world, not only to people
but to every beast and wild animal too
that they may do whatever they want with it
insofar as it has been given to them
from above by the Lord.

Lord, may we exhibit the virtues necessary to rise again with you and to be your sign of the eternal joy of God on earth. Amen.

Monday, 13 May.

A reading from ‘The Major Legend of Saint Francis’, by Saint Bonaventure.

Once, a noble woman, devoted to God, came to Saint Francis to explain her trouble to him and to ask for help. She had a very cruel husband whom she endured as an antagonist to her service of Christ. So she begged the saint to pray for him so that God in his goodness would soften his heart. When he heard this, he said to her, ‘Go in peace, and without any doubt be assured that you will soon have consolation from your husband.’ And he added, ‘You may tell him for God and for me, that now is the time of clemency, and later it will be the time of justice.’ After receiving his blessing, the lady returned home, found her husband and relayed the message. The Holy Spirit came upon him and he was changed from the old to the new man, prompting him to reply very meekly, ‘My lady, let us serve the Lord and save our souls.’ At the suggestion of his holy wife, they lived a celibate life for many years. On the same day, they both departed to the Lord. The power of the prophetic spirit in the man of God was certainly extraordinary, which restored vigour to dried-up limbs and impressed piety on hardened hearts. The transparency of his spirit was no less wondrous; for he could foresee future events and even probe obscurity of conscience, as if another Elisha rivalling the twofold spirit of Elijah.

Lord, we all have our dried-up limbs and hardened hearts. Give us vitality and strength to go forward in your name. Amen.

Tuesday, 14th May.

A reading from ‘The Major Legend of Saint Francis’, by Saint Bonaventure.

A certain brother, devoted to God and to Christ’s servant, Francis, frequently turned over in his heart the idea: whomsoever the holy man embraced with intimate affection would be worthy of divine favour. Whosoever he excluded, on the other hand, he would not regard among God’s chosen ones. He was obsessed by the repeated pressure of this thought and intensely longed for the intimacy of the man of God, but never revealed the secret on his heart to anyone. The devoted father called him and spoke gently to him in this way, ‘Let no thought disturb you, my son, because, holding you dearest among those very dear to me, I gladly lavish upon you my intimacy and love.’ The brother was amazed at this and became even more devoted. Not only did he grow in his love of the holy man but, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was also filled with still greater gifts.

Lord, we are blessed to be the recipients of intimacy and love. Let us gladly lavish intimacy and love upon all that they may “pay forward” a gift of love to others. Amen.

Wednesday, 15th May.

A reading from ‘The Major Legend of Saint Francis’, by Saint Bonaventure.
The Spirit of the Lord, who had anointed and sent Francis, and also Christ, the power and wisdom of God, were with their servant Francis wherever he went so that he might abound with words of sound teaching and shine with miracles of great power. For his word was like a blazing fire, reaching the deepest parts of the heart, and filling the souls of all with wonder, since it made no pretence at the elegance of human composition, but exuded the breath of divine revelation. Once, when Francis was to preach before the Pope and the Cardinals at the suggestion of the Lord of Ostia, he memorized a sermon which he had carefully composed. When he stood in their midst to offer his edifying words, he went completely blank and was unable to say anything at all. This he admitted to them in true humility and directed himself to invoke the grace of the Holy Spirit. Suddenly, he began to overflow with such effective eloquence, and to move the minds of those high-ranking men to compunction with such force and power, that it was clearly evident it was not he, but the Spirit of the Lord who was speaking.

Lord, all that inspires us is sent from you. Keep us mindful of your Holy Spirit that drives us ever forward and gives us strength to build the kingdom. Amen.

Thursday, 16th May

A reading from ‘The Major Legend of Saint Francis’, by Saint Bonaventure.

People of all ages and both sexes hurried to see and hear this new man given to the world by heaven. Moving about through various regions, he preached the gospel ardently, as the Lord worked with him and confirmed his preaching with the signs that followed. For in the power of his name Francis, the herald of truth, cast out devils and healed the sick, and, what is greater, he softened the obstinate minds of sinners and moved them to penance, restoring at the same time health to the bodies and hearts,
as his miracles prove, a few of which we will cite below as examples. In the city of Toscanella, he was warmly taken in as a guest by a knight whose only son had been crippled since birth. At the father’s insistent entreaties, he lifted the child up with his hand and cured him instantly, so that all the limbs of his body at once got back their strength in view of all. The boy became healthy and strong and immediately rose, walking and leaping and praising God. In the city of Narni, at the request of the bishop, Francis made the sign of the cross from head to foot over a paralytic who had lost the use of all his limbs, and restored him to perfect health. There was a woman in the town of Gubbio whose hands were both so withered and crippled that she could do nothing with them. When he made the sign of the cross over them in the name of the Lord, she was so perfectly cured that she immediately went home and prepared with her own hands food for him and for the poor, like Peter’s mother-in-law. In the village of Bevagna he marked the eyes of a blind girl with his saliva three times in the name of the Trinity and restored the sight she longed for.

Lord, help all those in leadership towards gentleness and friendship with those they serve. Amen.

Friday, 17th May.

A reading from ‘The Acts of the Process of Canonization’ of Saint Clare.

Sister Benvenuto of Perugia, nun of the monastery of San Damiano, also said that a certain brother of the Order of Friars Minor, Stephen by name, was mentally ill. Saint Francis sent him to the monastery of San Damiano, so Saint Clare would make the sign of the cross over him. After she had done this, the brother went to sleep a little bit in the place where the holy mother usually prayed. Upon waking, he ate a little and then departed cured. Asked who was present at this event, she replied the sisters of the monastery were, some still living, others dead. Asked if she had known that brother beforehand, how many days she had seen him ill, and how much time well, she replied she did not know all these things, because she was enclosed. Brother Stephen, once cured, went on his way. She also said a young boy of the city of Spoleto, Mattiolo, three or four years old, had put a small pebble up one of the nostrils of his nose, so it could in no way be extricated. The young boy seemed to be in danger. After he was brought to Saint Clare and she made the sign of the cross over him, that pebble immediately fell from his nose. The young boy was cured.

Lord, in the healing of your Ascension, may we do whatever we can to bring consolation to our broken neighbour. Amen.

Saturday, 18th May

A reading from ‘The Acts of the Process of Canonization’ of Saint Clare.
Sister Cecilia, a nun of the monastery of San Damiano, said under oath that she knew of Lady Clare of holy memory, former abbess of the monastery. It could have been forty-three years or so that the Lady had been governing the sisters. She herself entered religion three years after the Lady had, because of the preaching of Saint Francis. She said the Lord had given Lady Clare the grace that, when she made the sign of the cross with her hand, she cured many sisters of their illnesses. The other sisters, who gave testimony before, had also said this. She saw others who had been brought to the monastery to be cured by the holy mother. She made the sign of the cross over them and they were cured. She also said Lady Clare had the spirit of prophecy. Once when, one day, Saint Francis had sent five women to be received in the monastery, Saint Clare lifted herself up and said she would receive four of them. But she said that she did not want to receive the fifth because she would not persevere in the monastery, even if she stayed there for three years. After she did receive her because of great pressure, the woman stayed hardly half a year.

Lord, as Clare cured many by her presence, may we also, guided by your hand and inspired by the Holy Spirit, nurture one another into fullness of health and happiness. Amen.

The Trouble With Peace

Peace is flowing like a river …

No one who lived through the eighties (or seventies??) could ever forget that somewhat over-played Carey Landry hymn that had us rocking slightly in the pews … peace is flowing like a river, flowing out from you and me. And so much does peace flow: like a river, forever negotiating the shallows and the depths, being tested by excess and flood, shaping the landscape and guiding transport, sometimes raging and sometimes soundless in its ancient ebb and flow. Peace is timeless and is always there, no matter the violence that carries it into our consciousness.

The peace that Jesus gives us is a peace the world cannot give – it is a pure, unconditional peace. It is the peace borne of forgiveness, tolerance and loving acceptance. It is more than empathy and more than mere “niceness”. For the world, beset with judgements and trends, it is hard to maintain this peace. Any conflict being raged in the world at the moment on a large scale puts up walls, sometimes literally, to shut out peace. And this is due to wanting to have more than someone else, to be more powerful than the other or to destroy the foreign or outcast. Can anyone give a rational reason why the internal Burmese War has lasted since 1948, claiming over 210,000 lives cumulatively, 12,000 or so being civilians. The Somali War can, no doubt, justify the half a million fatalities it has rendered since 1991. Even our fair ally, the USA, must surely claim responsibility for the so-called “War on Terror” fatalities numbering around 329,800 over the past twelve years. Let’s not forget those conflicts that claim on average less than 1,000 fatalities per year such as the Iranian-Kurdish Conflict which has been raging for a record 95 years without cessation. How can this be allowed to happen when the message is as simple as to let peace flow? In all of these many conflicts, there are no doubt countless stories of individuals “breaking the rules” and offering protection and kindness to the “enemy”. If only this could be the catalyst that teaches us to live in peace. But, as Jesus said, his peace is not the kind that this world can give.

It begins with us. In this week’s readings, we continue to read the life of St Clare as testified by her sisters. Her immense love of her sisters and of her life in God emanated peace and love as an example that we Franciscans continue to live today. Innocent and poor, Clare personified the idea that tanks and guns are no match for a soul consumed with love. In this way, we are not swept along the river’s capricious turns and twists but it is peace, the river itself, that carves out a new landscape more beautiful and fertile than the last.

Have a great week!

Let us continue to pray for Brother Matt Beckmann and for his recovery.

READINGS FOR THIS WEEK! LOLOL! 🙂

Sunday, 5th May

A reading from ‘The Bull of Canonization’ of Saint Clare.

O the wonderful brilliance of blessed Clare!
The more eagerly she is sought after for particular favours
the more brilliant she is found in each!
This woman, I say, grew bright in the world,
dazzled in her Religious life;
spread as a ray of the sun in her home,
shimmered as lightning in the enclosure.
0 how great is the power of this light
and how intense is the brilliance of its illumination!
While this light remained certainly in a hidden enclosure,
it emitted sparkling rays outside.
Placed in the confined area of the monastery,
yet it was spread throughout the wide world.
Hidden within,
she extended herself abroad.
In fact,
Clare was hidden,
yet her life was visible.
Clare was silent,
yet her reputation became widespread.
She was kept hidden in a cell,
but was known throughout the world.

Lord, in our Mother Clare you show us the totality of divine motherhood. May we care for one another as Clare cared for her sisters and the poor. Amen.

 

Monday, 6th May

A reading from ‘The Legend of Saint Clare’
There was only one loaf of bread in the monastery when both hunger and the time for eating arrived. After calling the refectorian, Saint Clare told her to divide the bread and to send part of it to the brothers, keeping the rest for the sisters. From this remaining part, she told her to cut fifty pieces according, to the number of ladies, and to place them on the table of poverty. When the devoted daughter replied to her, ‘It would be necessary to have the ancient miracles of Christ occur to receive fifty pieces from such a small piece of bread,’ the mother responded by saying, ‘Confidently do whatever I say, my child.’ The daughter hurried to fulfil the command of her mother; the mother hurried to direct her pious aspirations for her sisters to her Christ. Through a divine gift, that little piece of bread increased in the hands of the one breaking it and a generous portion existed for each one in the convent.

Lord, may our advice reflect the piety and simplicity of hearts that believe. Amen.

 

Tuesday, 7th May

A reading from ‘The Acts of the Process of Canonization’ of Saint Clare.
Sister Angeluccia, daughter of Messer Angelico of Spoleto, nun of the monastery of San Damiano, said under oath that it had been twenty-eight years that she, the witness, had been in the monastery of San Damiano and, for all this time in the monastery under the direction of Lady Clare of holy memory, she saw so many and such great good things in her she could truthfully say of her what could be said about any saint in heaven. The witness also saw when the door of the piazza, that is, of the monastery fell upon Lady Clare. The sisters believed that door had killed her and, thereupon, raised a great moan. But the Lady remained unharmed and said that she had not felt in any way the weight of that door which was so heavy three brothers could barely return it to its place. Asked how she knew this, she replied: because she saw it and was present. Asked how long ago this was, she replied: almost seven years ago. Asked about the day, she said: during the octave of Saint Peter, a Sunday evening. At that time, at the cry of the witness, the sisters immediately came and found the door still lying upon her since she, the witness, could not lift it by herself. She also said when the most holy mother used to send the serving sisters outside the monastery, she reminded them to praise God when they saw beautiful trees, flowers and bushes; and, likewise, always to praise him for and in all things when they saw all peoples and creatures.

Lord, miraculous healing is part of your motherhood of us. Pick us up when we fall and heal our wounds when we need you. Amen.

 

Wednesday, 8th May

A reading from ‘The Little Flowers of Saint Francis’.
Saint Clare, a most devoted disciple of the Cross and noble plant of Saint Francis, was of such holiness that not only the bishops and cardinals but even the Pope desired with great affection to see her and listen to her, and often visited her personally. Once, the Holy Father went to her at the monastery to hear her speak of heavenly and divine things; and as they were speaking together about various things, Saint Clare had the tables prepared and bread placed on them, so that the Holy Father might bless it. So, when their spiritual conversation was finished, Saint Clare knelt down with great reverence, and asked him to be kind enough to bless the bread placed on the table. The Holy Father replied, ‘My most faithful Sister Clare, I want you to bless this bread, and make over it the sign of the most holy Cross, to which you have given your whole self.’ And Saint Clare said, ‘Most Holy Father, forgive me, because I would be worthy of the greatest rebuke if in front of the Vicar of Christ I, who am a vile little woman, should presume to give such a blessing.’ And the Pope replied, ‘So that this may not be attributed to presumption but to the merit of obedience, I command you under holy obedience to make the sign of the most holy Cross over this bread and bless it in the name of God.’ Then Saint Clare, as a true daughter of obedience, very devoutly blessed that bread with the sign of the most holy Cross of Christ. An amazing thing happened! Immediately the sign of the Cross appeared, beautifully cut into each loaf. And then some of these loaves were eaten and others were kept because of the miracle. And the Holy Father, having seen the miracle, took some of that bread and, giving thanks to God, departed, leaving Saint Glare with his blessing.
At that time living in that monastery were Sister Ortulana, mother of Saint Clare, and Sister Agnes, her sister, both together, with Saint Clare, filled with virtues and with the Holy Spirit, and many other holy nuns. To them Saint Francis sent many sick people; and with their prayers and the sign of the most holy Cross they returned them all to health.

Lord, the divine baker has bestowed on us bread for the journey. May we provide food for the journey for those who long for sustenance, as a mother feeds her young. Amen.

 

Thursday, 9th May

A reading from ‘The Office of the Passion’, by Saint Francis.
Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has done wonderful things. His right hand and holy arm
have sacrificed his belovd Son.
The Lord has made his salvation known;
has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations.
On that day the Lord has sent his mercy, and at night his song.
This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessd is the one who comes in the name of the Lord,
the Lord is God, and has enlightened us.
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth exult, let the sea and all that is in it be moved,
let the fields and all that is in them be glad.
Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and honour,
give to the Lord the glory due to his name.
Sing to the Lord, kingdoms of the earth,
sing psalms to the Lord.
Sing psalms to God who ascends above the heights
of the heavens
to the rising of the sun.
Behold, the Lord will give his voice the voice of power; give glory to God!
whose greatness is over Israel;
whose power is in the skies.
God is marvellous in his holy ones;
the God of Israel himself will give power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!

Friday, 10th May

Felix was the third of four sons born to Santi and Santa Porri on 18^th May 1515 in Cantalice in the Rieti valley, Italy. He was a farm worker until 28 years of age. In 1543 he entered the Capuchins keeping his baptismal name. From 1547 onwards, Felix was a familiar figure in Rome as he quested for the friary. His simplicity and open innocence of life influenced many towards leading a good Christian life. Friend of the poor, he was well known to people like St. Philip Neri and St. Charles Borromeo. He died in Rome on his 72^nd birthday, 18^th May 1587, and was canonised by Clement XI in 1712, the first Capuchin to be so honoured.

A reading from ‘The Tree of Life’, by Saint Bonaventure.
We pray to the most kind Father
through you, his only-begotten Son,
who for us became man, was crucified and glorified,
that he sends us,
out of his treasures,
the Spirit of sevenfold grace
who rested upon you in all fullness:
the Spirit, I say, of WISDOM,
that we may taste the life-giving flavours
of the fruit of the tree of life,
which you truly are;
the gift also of UNDERSTANDING,
by which the intentions of our mind are illumined,
the gift of COUNSEL,
by which we may follow in your footsteps
on the right paths;
the gift of FORTITUDE,
by which we may be able to weaken the violence
of our enemies’ attacks;
the gift of KNOWLEDGE,
by which we may be filled with the brilliant light
of your sacred teaching
to distinguish good and evil;
the gift of PIETY,
by which we may acquire a merciful heart;
the gift of FEAR,
by which we may draw away from all evil
and be set at peace
by submitting ‘in awe to your eternal majesty.
For you have wished
that we ask for these things
in that sacred prayer which you have taught us;
and now we ask to obtain them,
through your cross,
for the praise of your most holy name.
To you,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory,
thanksgiving, beauty and power,
forever and ever.
Amen.

Saturday, 11th May.

A reading from ‘The Major Legend of Saint Francis’, by Saint Bonaventure.
At Siena, a Religious, who was a Doctor of Sacred Theology, once asked Francis about certain questions that were difficult to understand. Francis brought to light the secrets of divine wisdom with such clarity in teaching that the learnd man was absolutely dumbfounded. With admiration, he responded, ‘Truly, the theology of this holy father, borne aloft, as it were, on the wings of purity and contemplation, is a soaring eagle; while our learning crawls on its belly on the ground.’ For although he was unskilled in word, nevertheless, full of knowledge, he often untangled the ambiguities of questions and brought the hidden into light. Nor is it inconsistent! If the holy man had received from God an understanding of the Scriptures, it is because, through his imitation of Christ, he carried in his activity the perfect truth described in them and, through a full anointing of the Holy Spirit, held their Teacher in his heart.’

Lord, our parents are our first teachers in faith. Grant all parents the courage to instruct their children in the ways of holiness and love. Amen.

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