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09 Dec 2012 - Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle C

THE ADVENT journey invites us to trust God who leads us and fills in and levels the dark valleys ahead. In his Testament, Saint Francis of Assisi wrote: “When I was in my sins, just to see lepers was very bitter for me. And the Lord himself took me among them, and I showed mercy to them. And on leaving them, what seemed bitter to me had turned for me into sweetness of body and soul.” By allowing God to lead him where he’d never have chosen to go, Francis discovered where Christ abides. Centuries later a Franciscan nun was on duty in a hospital when an ambulance brought in a severely injured man, filthy and left for dead and covered with maggots. The other nurses could not bring themselves to deal with him, but this sister patiently removed the insects and bathed the man, only to find that the maggots had disinfected the man’s wounds so that he had a chance at survival and healing. “I am confident that the one who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus.” Lord Jesus, come.

Authors Father Larry Janowski O.F.M.

advent lepers Francis of Assisi

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Make us instruments of your peace

30 Oct 2011 - Preaching the News for Sunday

In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus encourages the people to remember that “you have but one Father in heaven.” The world’s many religions, however, offer prayers to the divine in very different ways. Pope Benedict XVI has invited members of all the world’s major faith traditions, and even several secularists professing no faith, to join in a pilgrimage for world peace in Assisi Thursday to mark the 25th anniversary of a similar gathering. This time, however, the leaders won't take part in common prayers. In 1986 religious leaders were invited by Pope John Paul II for a day-long prayer for peace. Then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger disapproved of leaders of all faiths praying together. This time around members of the different faiths will be allowed personal time for private prayer and then will join together in a brief pilgrimage. Around 300 participants were expected to attend. The pope held a pre-trip Catholic prayer service at the Vatican Wednesday evening. A spokesperson said that Thursday, "The emphasis is on pilgrimage rather than on praying together." Sources: Articles by Daily News & Analysis (India) and the Associated Press

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Quotes

02 Jul 2017 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” —Rule of Benedict Love him totally who gave himself totally for your love. —Clare of Assisi Self-sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grow. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

rule of st benedict Clare of Assisi ralph waldo emerson

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04 Nov 2018 - Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

The central mantra of the Jewish people is “Hear, O Israel.” Listen. The command implies that still one can hear, that the revelation is still happening. —Michael Lerner, Jewish Renewal Where there is love and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. —Saint Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi

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24 May 2020 - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Cycle A

The mission of the Christian in the world is a mission for all, a mission of service, which excludes no one; it requires great generosity. . . . There is so much need for Christians who bear witness to the gospel with joy in everyday life. —Pope Francis Stay where you are--find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, the lonely, right there where you are, in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and schools. —Blessed Mother Teresa It is no use walking somewhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching. —Saint Francis of Assisi

Pope Francis Mother Teresa Francis of Assisi

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28 Jun 2020 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” —Rule of Benedict Love him totally who gave himself totally for your love. —Clare of Assisi Self-sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grow. —Ralph Waldo Emerson When we are overcome by sadness, fear, or suffering; when the pains of loss overwhelm us; when evil seems to have taken power; let us look to the cross and be filled with peace, knowing that Christ has walked this road and walks it now with us and with all our brothers and sisters. —Saint Teresa of Ávila

rule of benedict Clare of Assisi ralph waldo emerson Teresa of Ávila

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15 Aug 2021 - Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cycle B

Today Earth has sent a priceless gift up to heaven, so that by giving and receiving within the blessed bond of friendship, the human is wedded to the divine, Earth to heaven, the depths to the heights. . . . —Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Hail, God's palace; hail tabernacle of the Most High; hail, house of God; hail, God's holy vestments; hail, handmaid of God! —Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) Whatever was transitory in [Mary’s] life fell into the power of death, but only so that all that was eternal in her could shine in the full light, the eternal light made up of all the little flames of each instant of her shining existence. —Karl Rahner, S.J. (1904-84)

karl rahner Francis of Assisi saint bernard of clairvaux

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Homily stories

30 Jan 2022 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Not many years after turning from wealth and war to a committed Christian life, Saint Francis of Assisi, filled with zeal, tried to reach the Holy Land to evangelize the Saracens, an Arab and Muslim people who were fighting Crusaders. After failing several times, he reached a Crusader camp in Egypt with his companion, Brother Illuminato. Going forth boldly, they crossed the battle line. The sultan, Al-Malik al Kamil, recognized them as people of God and peace, and received them. The Franciscans and the sultan talked for several days. Then, the sultan had the two taken safely back, and also granted all Franciscans safe passage throughout his territory. An Islamic oral tradition says the sultan even contemplated becoming a Christian, but shied away out of fear of the consequences. Francis told his friars not to evangelize by “arguments and disputes” but to let their Christian witness do the talking. He obviously embodied these values in his encounter with Al-Malik al Kamil. Rather than exchanging condemnations, the two began with respect, hospitality, and dialogue, and a peaceable and mutually enlightened encounter resulted, without either side abandoning their fidelity to their faiths. Like Jeremiah, Elijah, and Elisha, Francis took God’s word across borders. And he did so not with arrogance, rudeness, self-interest, or anger, but with patience and kindness—and truth.

Authors Joel Schorn

crusades Francis of Assisi christian witness Evangelization

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