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Posted By Teresa Redder, on December 6th, 2015 My dear Brothers and Sisters, peace to your hearts!
There is much to do in December. We have been celebrating Christmas since we were born. We all know what it takes, how much we have planned, how much we can actually do. We can only hope as Franciscans that we manage to pare down the list a little more each year and take a step closer to the manger.
This December is also very special because it kicks off the Extraordinary Year of Mercy. It will be a huge opportunity to not only gain mercy but to live it. Can we get out of our own way to allow God to work through us to bestow mercy on someone else?
The Corporal Works of Mercy can give us a great stepping off point. We know them; but we ask God “When did I see you thirsty?” etc. More often than you think! Perhaps turning out of our comfort zone – or doing what we always do – will give us a new way to look at them.
Feed the Hungary
Very straightforward. Donate food to a local shelter, volunteer at a soup kitchen. How about…..not wasting the food we are eating? Don’t throw leftovers out, pack them for lunch. Don’t like leftovers? Make a plate up for a sick or elderly neighbor,
Give Drink to the Thirsty
This is a tough one. We don’t see many thirsty people every day. Again….how about not wasting it? A little awareness now can hold off the day when we are out of water. My grandmother taught me after you boil an egg, let the water cool down and water the house plants.
Clothe the Naked
Typically a no-brainer. There are plenty of Good Will stores and Salvation Army places around. Did you know both Purple Heart and American Family will pick up your donations at your front door? How about…. looking through your clothes and possessions with a Franciscan eye and ask yourself….when did I last use this and could someone else be blessed by having it?
Shelter the Homeless
This one must be very close to Jesus’ heart since there was ‘no place to lay his head’. Have your fraternity get involved in the Blessing Bag project that will culminate at the “Q” in June. Have you ever contacted Habitat for Humanity to see if you have some skill to offer them? If Jimmy Carter can still do it at the age of 90 while suffering from brain cancer…….
Visit those in Prison
The definition of ‘visit’ is not limited to physically going to see someone. It is very easy to visit through a card or letter. Mary Mother of Captives runs a pen pal program where the prisoner does not have your real last name or address. When I sent a birthday card to my pen pal on death row, I got a gut wrenching letter back. It was the first birthday card he had ever received….in his entire life.
Comfort the Sick
Do you give much thought to those who are sick at heart? Very often you don’t need to look outside your own family. Caregivers are a vastly overlooked group in desperate need of just a little kindness.
Bury the Dead
Yes, there is more than one way to look at this one. Mark your calendar or keep a record of when people pass – your neighbor’s spouse; your co-worker’s child. On the one year anniversary, send a “I’m Thinking of You” card or have a Mass said. For that person, it will feel like a hug directly from God.
And lastly, let us pray for one another as we journey through this Extraordinary Year of Mercy that we not only receive God’s mercy, but allow ourselves to extend His mercy to others.
Blessings,
kate
Posted By Teresa Redder, on November 30th, 2015 
December, 2015
Dear Sisters and Brothers in St. Francis,
May the Infant Jesus grant your heart the Peace you desire.
May His Star enlighten your mind with the splendor of His Truth.
May His Love consume your heart so that it beats solely for Him.
His mercy endures forever (Psalm 136). God’s mercy is limitless. God’s mercy and love are His judgment and sentence. God’s mercy was manifest from the beginning of creation. The mere fact that God loved and loves us into life is an eternal sign of God’s mercy. Throughout salvation history God has shown His mercy to His people, even when, because of our unfaithfulness, we have deserved the contrary. The apostle John reminds us in the Gospel he wrote: God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (John 3: 16).
We celebrate God’s eternal love and mercy throughout the year in our liturgies, beginning with the Season of Advent. Advent introduces us to the eternal, immortal, undivided, and supreme God, Who did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave coming in human likeness. Found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2: 6-8). St. Paul’s words remind us that to speak of Christ among us, we must remember the purpose for His incarnation: obedience to the Father’s Will leading His incarnate Son to death…and resurrection. Before we speak of his incarnation and birth, we already focus on his death. We cannot separate the Crib of Bethlehem from the Cross of Calvary. The two are inseparable! » Click to continue reading “From the Desk of Fr. Francis – December 2015” »
Posted By Teresa Redder, on November 30th, 2015  Dear Sister and Brothers,
Pope Francis has called us to begin the Year of Mercy on the feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8th 2015 and end on November 20, 2016. He has made mercy the central theme of his papacy. In Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel, mercy is used 32 times.
This is what our holy father Pope Francis has had to say:
The Church should be more evident in its mission of being a witness of mercy. It is a call for each of us to give consolation to every man and woman of our time. No one can be excluded from the mercy of God.
The Church is the house that welcomes all and refuses no one, the pope said, Its doors remain open so that those touched by grace can find the certainty of Forgiveness.
The Church is in need of mercy during this year of mercy Let us never tire of asking Forgiveness.
We entrust it as of now to the Mother of Mercy as she looks with her gaze and watches over our way as Jesus would not deny anything that she asks.
Pope Francis wants us to live the upcoming Holy Year “in the light” of the Gospel of Luke – Be Merciful just as your Father is merciful.
REFLECTION: Saint Francis “A PRAYER INSPIRED BY THE OUR FATHER”
Forgiveness
Forgive us our trespasses through the ineffable mercy through the power of the passion of Your beloved Son and through the merits and intercession of the ever blessed Virgin and all Your elect.
As we forgive those who trespass against us and what we do not completely forgive, make us, Lord, forgive completely that we may truly love our enemies because of You and we may fervently intercede for them before You, returning no evil for evil and may we strive to help everyone in You.
Through this season of Advent let us apply this reflection to our daily lives as Franciscans. Even though we may not forget, let us let go of what ever grudge and/or animosity we may hold over another and consider what relationship may be in need of healing.
Let us pray,
May we seek to forgive as YOU forgive, for in forgiveness comes healing.
Let us extend our reconciliation to all we meet and be that Door of Mercy, opening wide to receive mercy and embrace peace.
May you have a blessed Advent season and a Holy and peaceful Christmas!
Much love,
Rosie
Posted By Teresa Redder, on November 30th, 2015 
Most High, Glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of our minds.
Give us a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity,
so that we may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will.
Amen.
(Saint Francis of Assisi)
Following are excerpts taken from: A Collection of Sayings of the Companions of Blessed Francis; daily reflections are taken from various saints and blessed.
1
When Saint Francis delivered the second Rule to the Lord Pope Honorius for confirmation at Christ’s command…he said to Blessed Francis: Blessed is he who, strengthened by the grace of God, will observe this Rule happily and devotedly, for all the things written in it are holy and Catholic and perfect. – Many find plenty of time to gossip about and/or criticize others, but so little time to spend and speak with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
2
(When asked to modify certain aspects of the Rule) Blessed Francis answered: It was not I but Christ who put these words in the Rule. He knows best what is useful and necessary for the salvation of souls and of the brothers, and for the good state and preservation of the religion … – Separation from earthly things, ambitions, and even friendships at times, often is the mysterious material that cements a soul closer to God.
3
(St. Francis continued): All that will happen in the future to the religion and to the Church is clear and present to Him (Christ). I must not and cannot change the words of Christ … – Do not be concerned what place you hold but how you hold that place. (St. Therese of Lisieux)
4
(Francis continued): It will happen that the ministers and others in authority in the religion will cause many bitter tribulations for those who wish to observe the Rule faithfully and literally … – Do what you have to do, work what you have to work. » Click to continue reading “Daily Reflections From Fr. Francis – December 2015” »
Posted By Teresa Redder, on November 1st, 2015  November 2015
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises,
the glory, and the honor, and all blessing,
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no human is worthy to mention Your name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun, …
Sister Moon and the stars, …Brother Wind, …
Sister Water, … Brother Fire, … our Sister Mother Earth, …
Praised be You, my Lord,
through those who give pardon for Your love, …
Praised be you, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no one living can escape…
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him
with great humility.
Amen.
(Canticle of the Creatures [abbreviated] by Saint Francis of Assisi)
Following are excerpts taken from: A Book of the Praises of Saint Francis (Bernard of Besse); Daily reflections are taken from Walk With the Wise
1
Blessed Francis, like the rising sun, brightened the world by his life, his teaching and his miracles. He had a father intent on worldly affairs, but a very upright mother. – Our objective in life is to become a saint.
2
Like another Elizabeth, at the sacred font she called him John, and, in spirit, she predicted that, by the grace of his merits, he would become a son of God. – On the first rung of the ladder to holiness are written the words: ‘Who does not carry his cross and follow me, cannot be my disciple’.
3
The boy grew up … until he was twenty-five years old. Then he left all things and followed in the footsteps of Christ. He renewed the old life of the Apostles… – Stubbornness is one quality incompatible with sanctity; purpose and persistence are necessary. » Click to continue reading “Monthly Reflections From Fr. Francis – November 2015” »
Posted By Teresa Redder, on November 1st, 2015  November 2015
Dear Sisters and Brothers in St. Francis,
The Lord give you his peace!
God, even through nature, often speaks to us about life’s journey. The Winter Season, soon to be upon us, is announced by days that grow ever shorter and the sun that seems to take its time offering us its light and warmth each day. It is a good time for us to reflect on certain basic realities that we often place at the margin of our mind. Yet, these truths are a fact of our human life and a fact of Eternal Life: Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell.
There was a time when these Four Last Things, as they were called, were an indisputable theme for at least some Sundays of November, and always during any Retreat or Mission. They were intended not so much to frighten us into submission to God’s Will, as help us to realize that we cannot hide from the inevitable, so we were reminded “to be prepared”. We were expected to strive to know, reflect, and decide, through our understanding of these Four Last Things, what course we would take in life. Once we follow through with our decision, life becomes more peaceful and the journey and its end more certain. » Click to continue reading “From the Desk of Fr. Francis – November 2015” »
Posted By Teresa Redder, on November 1st, 2015 Franciscan Simplicity and Creation
 Our Franciscan Rule 11 states that Christ and His mother chose a poor and humble life, even though he valued created things attentively and lovingly. Let the Secular Franciscan seek a proper spirit of detachment from temporal goods and simplifying their own material needs.
The parable of the rich fool (Lk. 12: 16-21) is only interested in building his wealth and riches for his remaining years. He cares not for the treasures that only heaven can offer instead the treasures of life consume him. As he has been so busy storing earthly treasures he has not figured out if he would live long enough to enjoy what he has stored. The important line is the end of the verse which states that we should be rich in what matters to God.
In today’s world it is easy to get caught up in being consumed with money, gadgets and more are tempting when contrasted against corporal works of mercy, and a desire to grow in holiness. We are aware that satisfaction comes only through holiness and not from having more.
In scripture we read about the Pearl of great price in Mt 13:45-46 In searching for the pearl of great price we realize that none of our possessions can compare to the pearl of God’s love and graces.
In Rule 18 we read they should respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which “bear the imprint of the Most High,” and they should strive move from the temptation of exploiting creation to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship.
We read in Genesis, that Humans are commanded to care for God’s creation and so we can apply this to our lives as Franciscans. What are some examples using Pope Francis encyclical, Laudato Si’ that apply to simplicity of our lives and caring for God’s creation?
God Bless,
Rosie
Posted By Teresa Redder, on November 1st, 2015 My dear brothers and sisters, it is November….already! It is a month of earlier darkness, chillier weather, and holidays breathing down our necks. But it is also a month of remembering – all saints, all souls, all our loved ones who have gone to God. If you have recently lost a loved one, these days can be difficult.
 Ecclesiastes 3:1 states: For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. For those who have gone before us, their season has come to an end. They are reaping the harvest of their lives in the Kingdom of God.
Our seasons continue – not one day shorter or longer than God intended. What has God planned for our season? Sometimes it is so clear and other times….not so much. Some of us think we have our entire season figured out. (ah….that would be me) When my husband passed, I felt like my season had come to an end, too. It was logical…to me. And being hardheaded, it took quite some time to figure out that it wasn’t over; and even longer to be able to move forward without feeling guilty. God clearly has a plan for the second act of my season. But it wasn’t until I was willing to move towards it, that it began to be clearer and not so frightening.
All of us made room for a servant leadership role on the day of our Profession. “Yes, Lord, this is what I want.” Our Regional Chapter of Elections will be held on March 19, 2016. Now is the time to ask God to allow you hear His call, either for you to step up or to nominate someone. Our Sister, Lois Pestritto, OFS, has sent out the nomination instructions with the ‘job descriptions’ for each position. If there are brothers and/or sisters in your fraternity who do not have access to a computer or who may need help sending a reply to Lois, please reach out. It is the work of a true servant!
And during this month of honoring those who have passed into eternal life, let us pray for each other’s loved ones. It’s what family does!
Blessings,
kate
Posted By Teresa Redder, on October 3rd, 2015  October 2015
Almighty, eternal, just, and merciful God,
grant to us wretches, by your will, to do what we know you wish,
and ever to wish what pleases you,
in order that, purified in soul, lighted up within,
and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit,
we may follow the footsteps of your Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
and reach you, Most High, by your grace alone.
For you live and reign and are glorified,
in perfect Trinity and simple Unity, Almighty God
for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Letter to the Chapter)
The daily Franciscan verses are taken from A letter on the Passing of Saint Francis attributed to Elias of Assisi. Thoughts for each day are taken from Words of Blessed John Paul II.
1
To Gregory, his beloved brother in Christ, the minister of the brothers who are in France, together with all his brothers and ours, Brother Elias, a sinner, sends greetings. Before I begin to write, I sigh, and rightly so – Intelligence may drive machines, but it is the heart that beats with life!
2
My groans gush forth like waters in a flood. For what I feared has overtaken me and has overtaken you. And what I dreaded has happened to me and to you. – Allow God to enter your life: Then you will brighten with divine light.
3
Our consoler has gone away from us and he who carried us in his arms like lambs has gone on a journey to a far away country. – Without eternal life, temporal existence, however rich, however highly developed in all aspects, in the end brings man nothing other than the ineluctable necessity of death. » Click to continue reading “Daily Reflections from Fr. Francis – October, 2015” »
Posted By Teresa Redder, on October 3rd, 2015  October 2015
Dear Sisters and Brothers in St. Francis,
The Lord bless you with His peace!
Bringing the month of September to a close, the Catholic Church in Cuba and the United States was privileged to receive the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on a pastoral visit. As Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Church he was coming to address the World Meeting of Families being held in Philadelphia. But also, as Chief Shepherd, he took the opportunity to speak with his spiritual children in Cuba, and three cities in the United States: Washington DC, New York City, and finally Philadelphia. Everywhere he went, the welcome and joy was overwhelming. His message was simple, to the point, non-judgmental, directly challenging the various matters that besiege the world today, both Catholic and secular. The specific purpose of his journey was the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, yet all the matters about which he spoke or mentioned affect the world community of whatever background, and specifically families that form the nucleus of society.
Everything the Holy Father mentioned will no doubt be published soon and commented on for a while. Politicians will speculate about what side of the political spectrum he favored. Society will speculate what issues he manifested a more liberal approach towards. Religious bodies and/or individuals will offer remarks concerning his liberal or traditional views. Dialogue and discussion of topics mentioned and comments made are part of growing in knowledge and understanding, we must remember our Holy Father was here as a religious leader who is called to speak the Gospel truth of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is a living Word that lives today, in the twenty-first century, and thus will also have an impact on the life of today’s world, Christian as well as not. It might be a profitable idea, once his talks are available, for the fraternities to read and reflect upon them, openly and honestly. The Franciscan, especially the Secular Brother and Sisterhood, lives in society and are called to express the Gospel life in an everyday experience, in fidelity to Christ, Tradition, and the Magisterium » Click to continue reading “From the Desk of Fr. Francis – October 2015” »
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