Prepare for Pentecost

On Pentecost
May the Peace that only Christ can give be with us all. Let us pray together
for that peace, and for unity, in our homes, in our fraternities, in our Church,
in our country and in our world. Come, Holy Spirit!
On Pentecost all the brothers used to gather for a chapter near the church
of Saint Mary of the Portiuncula. At the chapter they would discuss how
they could better observe the Rule. They appointed brothers who would
preach to the people throughout each of the provinces, and assigned
brothers in their province. Saint Francis used to give the brothers
admonitions, corrections and precepts, as it seemed best to him, after
consulting the Lord. Everything, however, that he said in word, he would
first, with eagerness and affection, show them in deed. … He used to tell
them: “As you announce peace with your mouth, make sure that you have
greater peace in your hearts, thus no one will be provoked to anger or
scandal because of you. Let everyone be drawn to peace and kindness
through your peace and gentleness. For we have been called to this: to cure
the wounded, to bind up the broken, and to recall the erring. Many who
seem to us members of the devil will yet be disciples of Christ.”
The Anonymous of Perugia, 37,38
Pentecost blessings,
Jan Parker OFS
National Minister, Secular Franciscan Order – USA