October 4, 2014

Francis

October 4, 2014:  St. Francis of Assisi

Look



  • Sun tie, star tie pin, flowers pins:  all Canticle of the Sun–inspired (St. Francis)
  • 'Nail' and 'blood drop' pins:  St. Francis's stigmata
  • 'Sheep' tie bar:  God gave Job 14,000 sheep (1st reading)
  • 'Clock' tie bar:  God gave Job 140 years (1st reading)
  • 'Owl' tie pin:  "Teach me wisdom" (psalm)
  • 'Children' pin:  "Father, you revealed to the childlike what's hidden from the wise." (gospel)
  • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see; many desired to see it but didn't" (gospel)
  • White in shirt:  color of St. Francis memorial
Listen

  • See Sept. 23 for more Psalm 119 hymns
Pope Francis

To European bishops for assembly on the family:  We're called to be an 'outbound' Church, moving towards the peripheries to reach out to all.  Reflect on how to exalt the family as a resource for pastoral renewal, emphasising the need for Pastors and families to work together humbly and sincerely, so parish communities become “families of families.”  Such collaboration also extends to education, favoring maturation of justice, solidarity, peace, and courage, and supporting parents in their responsibility to educate their children.  Parents, the first and most important educators of their children, have the right to educate them in line with their moral and religious convictions.  Continue to enable collaboration for fruitful evangelization.  Be a prophetic voice, especially where secularization is making it marginal to speak about God.

Read
  • Gal 6:14-18  May I never boast except in the Cross.  I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.
    Animate
  • Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17  Job to the Lord:  "I know you can do all things.  Now that I've seen you, I repent in dust and ashes."  The Lord blessed Job with sheep, camels, oxen, sons, beautiful daughters, and long life.
  • Ps 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130  "Lord, let your face shine on me."  I trust your commands; teach me.  It's good I've been afflicted so I may learn your ways.  I'm your servant; give me discernment.  Your word sheds light.
  • Lk 10:17-24  Disciples / Jesus:  “Even demons are subject to us because of your name.” / “I've given you power to tread on the enemy unharmed. Don't rejoice because spirits are subject to you but because your names are written in heaven.  I give you praise, Father, Lord, for though you've hidden things from the wise, you've revealed them to the childlike.  You've handed all things over to me.  No one knows who I am except you, and you except me and anyone I reveal you to...”
St. Francis of Assisi

  • Universalis:  Francis, son of prosperous cloth merchant, lived evangelical poverty, preached God's love to all, loved creation, celebrated everything as gift, understood disciples must carry Jesus' cross, founded Franciscan order...
Reflect
    • Creighton:  What do we see and hear?  When we see a homeless person on the street, do we see one who needs our help?  When we hear a call to action in a homily, does it resonate?  When St. Francis saw a beggar, he, overcome, gave him money and exchanged clothes with him.  Let's slow down so we can see God in all around us.
    • One Bread One Body:  Psalm 119 expressed exuberance for God's Word even before the Scriptures included the New Testament and later OT books.  Is God's word my delight?
    • Passionist:  Despite his sufferings, Job came to accept God's will for him and repented of his resistance.  In the Gospel, Jesus reminded the disciples to rejoice in power or success but but in God's knowledge and love.  St. Francis heard Jesus' call and gave himself wholeheartedly. Francis's witness was charismatic, compassionate, and loving of all God's creation.  Jesus, Job, and Francis challenge us ask, how do I respect God's presence in people, nature, created things, and events?  Is my life simple and humble?  How do I proclaim God's mercy in this world of suffering?
    • DailyScripture.net:  Our true joy is God alone, not our successes.  Pride closes us to God's revelation and wisdom; humility is the only soil where God can take root.  Jesus wants us to know him personally.  St. Augustine:  "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love."
      Special greetings to and prayers for the communities at
      • St. Francis High School (La Cañada Flintridge)
      • St. Francis Parish and Preschool (Fillmore)
      • St. Francis of Assisi Parish and Elementary School (Los Angeles), St. Francis Korean Center (Torrance), and all others under St. Francis's patronage including the people of Italy

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