Greetings, dear Franciscan Family!
Buona Festa! Blessed Feast Day! (A few days early!)
As we meditate on this most holy of days for our Franciscan family, let us reflect on the gospel virtue of humility. I share with you this thought from Franciscans for Justice:
“Francis of Assisi was poor only that he might be Christ-like. He recognized creation as another manifestation of the beauty of God. In 1979, he was named patron of ecology. He did great penance – apologizing to “Brother Body” later in life – that he might be totally disciplined for the will of God. Francis’ poverty had a sister, Humility, by which he meant total dependence on the good God. But all this was, as it were, preliminary to the heart of his spirituality: living the gospel life, summed up in the charity of Jesus and perfectly expressed in the Eucharist.” [source: Franciscan Media]
Take time this week to (re)discover the definition of “humility” that rings true for you. Why not take some special actions this Friday that express Humility – as a way of celebrating the Feast Day of St. Francis. (Of course, you don’t have to wait until Friday!)
A few examples to help you:
· Stop talking. One way to practice humility is to spend more time listening than you do talking…
· Admit when you’re wrong…
· Go last…
· Give compliments…
· Plant some seeds for winter vegetables…
· Write a politician about a concern you have…
You may want to share with your family or fraternity… or me (ctownes26 @gmail.com).
Attached is also the 12 Weeks of Franciscan Peace. (Click Download at the bottom of this page.) Pray it with your family or fraternity. I am so blessed and edified by the wonderful shares from those who have been using these prayers and reflections. Keep them coming!
Thank you for your love and commitment to living the Gospel of peace in humility.
Have a happy and blessed Feast Day! Wishing you blessings of peace and all good!
Carolyn D. Townes, OFSNational Animator, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation U.S. Secular Franciscan Order
See Christ, Be Christ. Share the Vision! (OFS-USA 2019 Theme)