Today’s Thoughts: First I would like to offer a little reflection on the readings of the day…
In today’s Gospel the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum have stepped on one of Jesus’ nerves. Towns that are so much a part of his life and ministry just don’t seem get it. They don’t recognize the presence of God in their midst. Jesus has done all kinds of great things for them and yet they are slow to respond to his message. They have had the advantage and done nothing with it. I am always struck when this Gospel passage comes around that the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum exist no more. If you go to the Holy Land and visit the places where these towns once existed all you will find are ruins. For various reasons these town no longer have life, could it be because when they had the chance to be blessed, to celebrate the gift of God in their life, to follow along the everlasting way they missed it? We often get focused on our own needs, thoughts, feelings, dreams and desires. In these moments at times we miss God invitation. We think we know better. We think we have it all figured out. We think we are in control, but we are not! O God, I know I haven’t walked in your shoes. I know you have the words of everlasting life. Help us to see beyond ourselves. Guide us today and always along your everlasting way! Now a few thoughts and some wisdom of and about St. Francis of Assisi. “Blessed is the servant who loves his [or her] brother [or sister] as much when he [or she] is sick and useless as when he [or she] is well and maybe of service to him [or her]. And blessed is he [or she] who loves his [or her] brother [or sister] as well when he [or she] is far off as when he [or she] is by his [or her] side, and who would say nothing behind his [or her] back he [or she] might not, in love, say before his [or her] face.” (St. Francis of Assisi) “The good Bishop of Assisi expressed a sort of horror at the hard life which the Little Brothers lived at the Portiuncula, without comforts, without possessions, eating anything they could get and sleeping anyhow on the ground. St. Francis answered him with that curious and almost stunning shrewdness which the unworldly can sometimes wield like a club of stone. He said, 'If we had any possessions, we should need weapons and laws to defend them.” (G.K. Chesterton, Saint Francis of Assisi) “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of one single candle.” (St. Francis of Assisi) “We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.” (St. Francis of Assisi) “It is not fitting, when one is in God's service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look.” (St. Francis of Assisi) “Always tell of God's love. If necessary, use words.” (St. Francis of Assisi) “We should seek not so much to pray but to become prayer.” (St. Francis of Assisi) St. Francis of Assisi is truly a man, a saint for all seasons! Have a blessed and peaceful Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and Friday everyone!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
May 2023
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