Strive

In my reflection last week on renewing my vows I used the word strive. This word struck a cord with me as I spent time in reflection and with a few other people since I posted my reflection. I have continued to ponder what it means to me.

The dictionary definition of strive is:

       make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.

  

       or

       struggle or fight vigorously

The dictionary definition lends to my pondering and thoughts. As I consider what it means to strive, it is a word that I want to bring some depth to in the months ahead. I find it a powerful word, one of action, one of hope, a positive word, a word that says 'I am open, I am working at being present, being real, aware, awakened to God's goodness in creation, in others and in myself.'

Strive says I am willing and the path and journey with others.

Strive means continuing on with effort and vitality in the good, the trials, the dull and in the new.

Strive is awareness of what I offer, my blessings and the gifts of others.

Strive is keeping focused on Christ in the everyday, in the interactions with life and others.

Strive is exciting; not like a new toy or gift, but a depth, a sustenance, a God rooted energy that calls me to life, to see with new eyes, to be who I am and to know that God is at work always.


The morning of the day I renewed my vows the following verse was sung at Morning Prayer:

Make us servants of your peace,
renew our strength, remove all fear,
be with us, Lord, throughout this day,
for all is joy, when you are near.

There is an honesty in this verse, a desire, to me it speaks of striving.

We continually strive to be God's servant; which is a gift and blessing. This gift and blessing is not always easy but one with rewards beyond knowing. It is a challenge to be messengers of hope, joy and peace. God's peace is part of God's strength which then empowers us to be peace, for it is rooted in God.

We strive to plant deep within us that God is our strength and only God can continually renew our strength. God calls us to ways to renew our strength whether that is times of prayer or retreat, a walk, insights, support, kindness shown or rest. God is our strength beyond strength and when we remember that and embrace that our fears subside. Our fears disappear when we focus on God.

We strive to remember that God is always with us in each moment. In trials and joys, in hurts and blessings God is with us. God desires nothing more than to be with us and for us to be with God. When it is hard to remember that God is present here, may God clear our minds and bring us surety and strength to know that we are never abandoned by God.

We strive to embrace that God is pure joy, the fullness of joy, the depth of joy that resides in the depths of our heart and calls us to radiate joy into the world. God's joy illumines our own joy and calls us to share joy. May we be joy-bearers in the name of Jesus, to be witnesses of the Good News and strive always to bring more joy into the world.

God of Life, Brother Jesus, Holy Spirit
you are my all,
I strive to be your servant,
filled with peace, strength and joy
and to radiate you into the world
for I know you are always at my side.
Amen. 

So yes I will strive to be the person I am created to be as a child of God and the brother that St. Francis calls me to embrace on this journey.

Here is to the gift, blessing, challenge and the desire to strive.

 

I Do...Again.

In a matter of a few hours I will renew my vows for the second time and mostly like for the last time in Christ the King Province as the unification of the two Canadian Provinces is becoming an even greater reality over the next few months. As I ponder my vows again I don't hesitate in renewing them, even in the chaos of this week, even with the moments of fraternal frustration, even with a tired body from summer adventure and even with a restlessness that I can't quite put my finger on I still am ready and willing to renew my vows.

I renew my vows this year with a greater desire and hope to discover St. Francis even more and come to appreciate my brothers, whom I love, even more.

I renew with the hope of a Province united that will only empower and enrich the Canadian Church.

I renew with the hope that the restlessness that I know if met with clarity as I deepen my commitment to Christ and this Franciscan way of life.

I renew with the desire to be a brother filled with even more joy, courage and drive.

I renew with the deepening awareness of God's will at work not my own or anyone else.

I come to my vows trusting that Mary our Blessed Mother wraps her mantle around me and that the holy saints are walking with and that dear Sister Clare and dear Brother Francis continue to shine their light on my path... this path that I echoes with the psalms... "my heart is ready Lord, my heart is ready."

I strive to live my vows this next year as a lesser brother with honesty, integrity, and openness.

I strive to let the Gospel infuse my life even more and be even more my way of life; hearing the words of Christ as my daily mantra and truly making them my mission statement.

I strive to live in the obedience the gospel calls me to and that which my Province dialogues with me.

I strive to live with nothing of my own, embracing Franciscan Poverty to the depths of solidarity and how I use power.

I strive to live in chastity, professing a chaste love for all of God's creation; being welcoming, open and a witness and agent to God's love at work.

Some of my Brothers

This I know will take effort and work and revitalization on my part, as I seek God's will I simple say may the Lord continue to inspire me in my Franciscan living. I place my trust in the Lord and I remember that St. Francis challenges me to be fraternal, to serve, and to continue to build the kingdom, for as he said: "up until now we have done very little/nothing."

God of Peace, God of Joy, God of all Good I trust in You as I renew my vows.
Thank you for your amazing and endless love. Amen.

To you who read this blog I humbly ask your prayers for the Franciscans in Canada and for myself.

Tents Hikes Prayer Pilgrimage

As summer time lingers on my daily routines are again slowly taking their ‘regular’ shape which over summer often looks different. It is time for some reflection on what has been a summer of busy adventure, new discoveries and rich blessings.

There is lots to reflect on and share about this summer. From the gift of reunions with loved ones, to celebrations, to quiet moments, to discovering an interesting history, to understanding more the need for compassionate listening, to learning to tenting, to hiking and to this great nation there is much to be thankful for and celebrate. I will share just a few highlights.

 

 

 

The gift of spending time with good people is one that I will never take for granted. It is such a rich blessing in my life and one that nourishes me. I am ever grateful for long lunches, quick visits, hugs, patio parties, late nights, early mornings, walk and talks, sunroom relaxing, garden walks, banana song singing, a good beer, road trips, the kindness of friends and family gatherings that make my hectic summer so truly wonderful and blessed.

 

  

One of the biggest adventures of this summer was the Franciscan pilgrimage that 13 of us Friars from Canada journey together in Quebec. We spent one week together “On the Footsteps of the Récollets” exploring our roots in Canada and how our early brothers continue to challenge us today. We covered several hundred kilometers a day (mostly along the St. Lawrence from Trois Rivieres to Gaspe to Quebec City)  traveling in 3 vehicles, we tented for the week, we prayed together, ate simple meals (most of the time) and explored beautiful Canadian landscape, history and moments in time that have impacted the Franciscan presence in Canada. It truly was a blessed time.

 

 

 

The Récollets is the name of the early Franciscans that came to Canada. They were missionaries that came to Canada with Champlain in 1615. The history is a rich one of missionary work, firsts for Canada, working with aboriginal peoples, creating long standing establishments and even be sent back to Europe but returning to serve. Their missionary hearts and love of the gospel did not ever grow faint as they truly were focused on the Good News and serving their neighbour. We read or heard amazing and inspiring story after story. We stood in buildings that were theirs, we prayed on land that they would have walked, we pondered their courage, strength and dedication.

 

It was a gift indeed to spend time with 12 of my brothers from across Canada and enjoy this very unique fraternal time. It was a gift indeed to reflect on our Franciscan roots in Canada. It was a gift indeed to share this experience in prayer, conversation, and reflection and let it inspire us as Friars for today. I am so grateful for the pilgrimage and for being introduced to my Friar Brothers from centuries ago that speak to me today about my journey and dream as a young Friar.

 

 

There is still so much more to unpack about the pilgrimage which I hope to do so over the next few weeks. As for now we are on our annual retreat this week and I look forward to some great input from our Retreat Leader and some quiet time for reflection and prayer. I humbly ask for your prayers for the Friars and for me as I renew my vows again for another year.

Continued summer blessings.