Franciscan – Page 6 – The Future is Open

May 10, 2013

Vocation

Recently I attended a formation workshop on “Servant Leadership” sponsored by the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Region of the Secular Franciscan Order. I’ve been a member of the Secular Franciscan Order since 2000 and professed since April 2002. I was once fraternity minister of the St. Irenaeus OFS Fraternity in West Clarksville, New York. At our fraternity gathering in February of this year I volunteered to take on the leadership of “Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation” for our own fraternity. I also volunteered to attend the workshop on “Servant Leadership.” Not really knowing why I did that, but following the spirit I traveled to the Stella Maris Retreat Center at Skaneateles, New York. While I was there I was approached about taking on a leadership position with the Kateri Region. Af first I balked and then refused despite the fact that for much of the winter and all of Lent I had been praying for direction.

Here direction fell into my lap and like Jonah I was refusing it. I have since reconsidered and sought the direction of my spiritual advisor and a good friend in the Secular Franciscan Order. I’m anxious and excited at the same time about what this opportunity will present. I hope that you will join me in praying that I will continue to follow the spirit’s lead.

August 21, 2011

Resting place

In the quiet of my favorite hermitage at Mt. Irenaeus I come for rest and renewal. In these quiet woods I have walked upon wet leaves and enjoyed the fragrance of peace that surrounds everything here.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28.

Here at La Posada I have come to rest.

July 28, 2011

The Spirit of the Lord

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” — Luke 4:18

Does that sound like current political rhetoric? No, it’s radically different. Jesus was not a member of the Chamber of Commerce, nor would he have been at home in either political party. He loved everyone and wanted us to do the same. He had a special place in his heart for the poor and disenfranchised. His message is and was active and provocative. He ate with tax collectors, sinners of all kinds including prostitutes and nowhere in any Gospel does he demonize anyone even the Romans who murdered Jews for blood-sport during his lifetime on earth. The quote at the beginning of this reflection is recorded in Luke’s Gospel at the beginning of his ministry. I don’t know when he actually said it, but more importantly he proclaimed it with his life and even to the point of death on the cross. Jesus was about radical mercy and forgiveness. That’s a trait we need more of not less. The historical Jesus was a Jew, but the transcendent Jesus is neither Jew, Christian, Muslim, slave or free. The mystical Jesus lives in our hearts and his message is beyond dogma. He is the Lamb of G-d who takes away the sin of the world. You don’t have to decide for Jesus. It’s already been decided. He is the alpha and the omega.

July 27, 2011

San Damiano Cross

I’m at a meeting in the Reilly Center at St. Bonaventure University. In the room on the wall facing me is the San Damiano cross. It is emblematic of Franciscans everywhere. Tonight it’s more poignant because I’m more focused on it. I’ve been in this room many times but in looking at the cross tonight it looks more inviting, more inclusive than ever. Franciscans are known for their hospitality and the San Damiano cross has that spirit about it. Many times religion and dogma in particular can divide us but Franciscans make it their habit to welcome everyone no matter what your spiritual direction. That hospitality can be a powerful force for conversion.

July 17, 2011

Lady Poverty

I’ve been pondering a lot lately. What do I do? Where do I go? Who or what do I serve. I have a heart to help at risk students and how do I do that best. I stopped by the chapel at St. Bonaventure University today and took this photo. It’s one of my favorites. Lady Poverty with children clinging to her for protection. I’m sitting in yet another quiet chapel listening with the ear of my heart.

June 16, 2011

Sunset

I was thinking earlier that it was here in this community that Franciscan Friars first lived in Cattaraugus County. Ellicottville, New York is more often thought of as a winter resort but it is one of the jewels of Western New York and it glistens year round. I love the quiet here at Nannen Arboretum which is located just inside the village. I have found peace and quiet here on Wednesday evenings this spring. I am drawn to this contemplative setting and here I find solitude immersed in the sights and sounds of this quiet tract of land.

June 15, 2011

Merton’s Heart

Merton’s Heart is a hillside clearing just across the Allegany River south of the campus of St. Bonaventure University. It’s always a reflection point for me. Tonight proved to be no exception when I arrived on campus. A quick look to my right and just past McGraw Field the beloved view of that hillside clearing named by Fr. Irenaeus Hirscher, OFM. Thanks to Fr. Irenaeus for supplying me and many others with a visible reminder of Thomas Merton. Merton’s Heart is always an invitation to prayer for me. Tonight was no exception.

June 6, 2011

Incarnation Spirituality

This is one of my favorite articles on the Incarnation. When I first heard this about ten years ago it made sense to me. Prior to that time I had always felt ill at ease with other explanations of the theology of creation and the place of Christ in the universe. This made sense to me then and it does now. I think of this often and share it now for anyone who happens upon this blog in search of a deeper understanding of creation. The sin centered universe never made any sense to me. This does and it really precedes the other way of thinking.

The Incarnation is the model for creation: there is a creation only because of the Incarnation. In this schema, the universe is for Christ and not Christ for the universe. Scotus finds it inconceivable that the ‘greatest good in the universe’ i.e. the Incarnation, can be determined by some lesser good i.e. Man’s redemption. This is because such a sin-centered view of the Incarnation suggests that the primary role of Christ is as an assuager of the universe’s guilt. In the Absolute Primacy, Christ is the beginning, middle and end of creation. He stands at the center of the universe as the reason for its existence.

For more on this topic follow the link below.

http://franciscans.beimler.org/Incarnation%20Spirituality.html

June 5, 2011

The Little Flower

I came to Mass today feeling a bit under the weather but glad to get out if town for awhile. It has been two weeks since my last visit to the Mountain. I am really glad I came. At brunch I met several people who touched my life and gave me direction. I’m sitting now in La Posada reflecting and listening to the silence that surrounds me. It is here that I come often to listen and along the trail is the statue of St. Theresa. I have stopped often to pray for her intercession.

June 5, 2011

To garden is to walk with God

“To cultivate a garden is to walk with God”

This quote hangs at the entrance of the friars garden at Mt. Irenaeus. My wife is one of the angelic gardeners in my life. Today she begins the transformation of our front yard to her own prayerful garden.