Good Father Frédéric - Be Brave

Today the Canadian Church celebrates a Franicscan, Blessed Frédéric Janssoone. While Frederic was born in Belgium, he is a recognized as a Canadian Saint because of his missionary heart which led him here. I have had the chance to pray at his tomb in Trois-Riviéres and see the Marian Pilgrimage site he helped develop. Both experiences remind me of the call to service, and the gift of creativity in how each of us preach the gospel. Blessed Frédéric was bold and brave. He was encouraged by the life of St. Francis as a model for sharing the good news. He was rooted in Christ, the foundation of his life, and the reason why he went forth on mission. We must ask ourselves how are we being bold and brave in preaching the gospel with our lives and claiming Christ as our foundation?

Like the mother in the gospel (Matthew 15), is our faith great? Are we brave enough to ask Christ to strengthen us so we can do small things and great things? As followers of the One who is the manifestation of the love of God which we hear the prophet Jeremiah remind us is an “everlasting love” with a continuing “faithfulness” are we willing to be missionaries in our community and parish?

Blessed Frédéric trusted the gospel was tangible and real. He wanted others to know this in their lives and if possible to experience it in real ways. He has sometimes been called “God’s Salesman” for his missionary work was really as a fundraiser for the Holy Sites in the Holy Land. Sites the Franciscans have been responsible for centuries. Regardless, if we walk the streets of Jerusalem or the streets of our towns, we are called to have great faith. May we be encouraged by Blessed Frédéric. May we trust the love of God accompanies us, our faith can be bold and brave and the Eucharist is the strength and food we need for our pilgrimage.

Good Father Frédéric

Man of great distances, tireless traveler in the steps of Jesus,

Man of great distances, messenger of the Gospel whom no obstacle stopped, 

Man of endless compassion for the sick and all the wounded by life,

Disciple of Francis of Assisi, lover of our mother earth and the Passion of Jesus,

Loving pilgrim of the Virgin Mary, full of the look that marked his life,

Believer of joyful hope, fascinated by heaven at the end of our routes,

Good Father Frédéric, pray for us!

Scripture:  Jeremiah 31.1-7, Matthew 15.21-28

Photo Credit: Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-Du-Cap

Summer Praise II

Not every summer day is a “perfect” day and all is not “right” with the world. However, pausing to notice what is filling my heart with praise reminds me God is at work in the simple and ordinary. 

Rains fall,

Flowers bloom,

Grass grows,

Sun shines,

Praised be God!

Summer unfolds,

Gardens produce,

Days linger,

Stars sparkle,

Praised be God!

Teams play,

Fans cheer,

Barbecues sizzle,

Communities gather,

Praise God!

Quiet pauses,

Prayers prayed,

Reflections stir,

Pondering heart,

Praise God!

                                                    Photo Credit: Nicholas Sorrenti

Summer Praise

 

The morning sun flittering through the leaves,

the song of birds awakening the morning,

the vibrancy of grass, buds and blooms,

the warmth of the air filling this day,

lifts up my heart in praise to God.

With St. Francis of Assisi, I give praise to God

for all creation which reminds me of God’s presence.

I sing with praise and gratitude for creation

pondering where it invites me to notice 

beauty, truth and life at work in the daily demands.

With St. Francis, I cry out “Be praised my Lord”

for my sisters and brothers in creation

in this season and in each season,

for through them I am drawn closer to You,

reminded of the depth of the goodness in life.

Be praised my Lord for You are ever creating

inviting us to join You and to appreciate creation.

Be praised my Lord for You are ever generous

in the unfolding of beauty, truth and life

and for this I give thanks today and always.

Photo Credit: Jennifer R.

Pentecost: In the Ordinary Renewing of the Earth

It’s a Thursday afternoon,

a gentle breeze whispers through the day,

it carries with it the sounds of

hammers building a house,

cheers of a rugby game,

a school bell ringing,

calling birds guiding in the sky,

wind chimes tolling,

Lord, you send forth Your Spirit

renewing the face of the earth.

It’s a Thursday afternoon

around me life is bursting

it carries with it sights of

a grandmother walking her grandchild,

flowers bursting with color,

coworkers stopping for a coffee,

an elderly man walking with his canes,

pausing in a nearby church,

Lord, you send forth Your Spirit

renewing the face of the earth.

It’s a Thursday afternoon,

the daily movements of life continue

it carries with it the beauty of

a friend calling to say hi,

documents coming together,

prayer being whispered,

enjoying fresh fruit,

a walk in the unfolding greens of spring,

Lord, you send forth Your Spirit

renewing the face of the earth.

It’s a Thursday afternoon,

a Monday morning, a Saturday evening,

it carries with it the unknown of Pentecost

God breathing on us,

God breathing through us,

the fire of the Spirit propelling us forward,

the fire of the Spirit enkindling in us life,

gifts given for each day,

Lord, you send forth Your Spirit

renewing the face of the earth.

Come Holy Spirit, today, tomorrow, 

again and again in the ordinary, 

again and again in the extraordinary,

in the known and unknown,

for the unknown and known,

for the world, for the earth, for all humanity,

for every tribe, every people, every place

Come Holy Spirit.

Lord, you send forth Your Spirit

renewing the face of the earth.

Brother Wind Blowing

Depending on where you are and what day this is, spring (or winter’s last attempt) wind may be blowing in all directions. It is blowing where I am today and it a strong wind. 

Growing up on the Canadian Prairies I have experienced a fair share of windy days. I am thinking about the odd pace and the force of wind. Walking in wind is a different type of gazing. I could not help but think: do I ever appreciate Brother Wind? This reflective poem is what stirred from my time of gazing of Brother Wind. If one can ever gaze at wind. 

Is it a preparation for Pentecost?

Brother Wind why do you blow so much?

Is it to remind me of the movement of the Spirit?

Is it to whip me into solidarity with creation?

Is it to blow me around so I must bump into others?

Brother Wind why do you blow so much?

Is it to remind me the Spirit of God is renewing the earth?

Is it to whip me into the action of care for creation?

Is it to blow me toward those I want to reject?

Brother Wind why do you blow so much?

Is it to remind me you whisper truths of creation?

Is it to whip up into my ears the cry of the poor?

Is it to blow me in the direction of deep truth?

Brother Wind why do you blow so much?

Is it so I must look differently at the world around me?

Is it so I must cover my mouth so I can listen more?

Is it so I must shelter and be and take note?

Brother Wind why do you blow so much?

Is it so I may be reminded of the freedom of all?

Is it so I may let go of empty words and actions?

Is it so I may trust in the power of God and not my own?

Brother Wind blow where you will I can’t control you.

Brother Wind blow where you will I feel your invitation.

Brother Wind blow where you will but please give me space.

____

“Brother Wind” – is inspired by St. Francis and his Canticle of the Creatures

“Renewing the earth” – Psalm 104.30

“Care for creation,” “truths of creation,” “cry of the poor” – are reflective of Laudato Si’

Photo: Khamkéo 

Easter: Love Has Come

Love came in the announcement from the angel.

Love came in the stable birth.

Love came in the preaching of good news and repentance.

Love came in the healings and miracles.

Love came in a meal shared and gift of service shown.

Love came in the depth of self-giving.

Love came on the cross, every ounce poured out.

Love came in the darkness of the tomb.

Love came on a Sunday morning

with resurrected new life conquering death.

 

Love met weeping Mary Magdalen restoring her hope.

Love met disheartened Peter restoring his hope.

Love met the saddened Emmaus Disciples restoring their hope.

Love met doubting Thomas restoring his hope.

Love meets us restoring our hope,

calling us to new life,

awakening our true faith,

and enlivening our expanding love.

 

Alleluia is our song of love

for Love has come

conquering death forever

and bringing us life eternal!

 

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

 

 

Photo Credit:

Emmaus Disciples - Friary in Malta

Holy Week the Story of Love

 

Love has a way

of showing up

in unexpected ways

and in unexpected places.

Love has been crucified

because of those

who feared Love.

Love is stronger than

darkness and death

trampling it with 

faith and hope.

Notice Love this week.

What will the ultimate story of Love reveal to you?

Will you let Love transform you?

Lord Jesus,

you are Love,

guide our steps this week

as we walk with you

from death to new life.

Amen.

Photo Credit: Grant Whitty