Advent Christmas 2023 - Celebrating 800 Years of the Nativity Scene

    This year as noted through the season of Advent we commemorate the 800th anniversary of Christmas at Greccio where the tradition of the Christmas Crèche finds its history. St. Francis of Assisi had a vision to gather the people to remind them of the Bambino of Bethlehem. One of the biographies of the life of St. Francis says he desired “to enact the memory of that babe who was born in Bethlehem.” Each year as we set up our crèche (nativity scene) in our homes and churches it is a reminder for us to not just look at pretty statues or a family heirloom rather it is an opportunity to pray for our hurting world and to be reminded we are gathered in community with fellow believers trusting our God is here with us in the hurting and the harshness of life.

    Earlier this month during our annual pageant at The Mount the character of St. Francis bubbling up with awe prayed:  Let us open our minds and hearts to the true spirit of Christmas – the Bambino of Bethlehem – God with us!  The Christmas story is a lesson in love and peace, let us be renewed each year! The Bambino of Bethlehem! Sweet Child! Holy Child! Bambino of Bethlehem! Little Son of God! Make us all the instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, the little Child sows love. Where there is darkness, the little Child shines light. Little Child, you come to bring us peace and joy! Oh, Bambino of Bethlehem, you are our joy and our hope! You can almost see St. Francis of Assisi dancing with delight holding the Christ Child some 800 years ago, awakening in him and those gathered the depth of God’s great love. We carry the Christmas story in our hearts and lives again this year and each year as we continually are invited to renewal, to be instruments of love and peace and to shine the light of Christ into the world; because we know Christ born is our joy and hope. 

    As we face uncertainties in the year ahead, as we listen with broken hearts about wars in our world, as we know the hurts and pains of our communities and families – we trust our God is with us equipping us with hope. This is the very message St. Francis desired to awaken in the people of Greccio 800 years ago. Their world and ours are not very different – let us be attentive to the Bambino of Bethlehem and how he is stirring us to be people of the gospel. As we gaze upon our crèche this Christmas let us be brave enough to pray for the courage to follow Christ wherever he shall lead us in 2024.  

Merry Christmas!

Blessings of peace and all good to you this Christmas 

and all through 2024!

Advent 2023 - Week 3 - Celebrating 800 Years of the Nativity Scene

Eight hundred years ago St. Francis was worried the people of Greccio were forgetting the Bambino of Bethlehem and how present Christ was to them in their every day. He desired the simplicity, poverty, and humility of the Christ Child to be made known and remembered. The beautiful vision St. Francis had to enact the birth of Christ was part of the Midnight Mass. This is important to note, it wasn’t just a show it was wrapped up in the paschal mystery; it was an invitation to know the intimacy of God with us. To see the poverty of the crib leads one to see the emptying of Christ on the cross and the new life in the Resurrection.

One of the earliest photos of me is taken at Midnight Mass with my parents at the crèche. In this photo Mom and Dad are holding me to show me the Bambino of Bethlehem and the scene. They brought me into the story and mystery, from then on, I have been captivated by the scene each year. I have been drawn in and called to see myself there.  One Franciscan scholar says: “Francis’ representation did not include images, but only living beings. He wanted real protagonists.” The animals yes, but most especially the people who gathered, the brothers from various places, women and men of the area, rich and poor alike, stood side by side together. This echoes and is reflected into us and our living, by how we enter the celebration of Christ’s birth, how we gather as a community of believers. This season, a long time ago in Greccio, is not a time stamped moment rather it is a launching point for us and for our story now. It calls us to the manger to pause and calls us to the Eucharist to be nourished and share the good news as we go forth from each Eucharist.

St. Francis wrote in his Admonitions (1,16-18): “Behold, each day He humbles himself as when he came from the royal throne into the Virgin’s womb; each day He himself comes to us, appearing humbly, from the bosom of the Father upon the altar.”  As we draw near to Christmas maybe we are coming tired and hurting. Maybe we are coming holding on to a faint hope and deeper desires. Maybe we are seeking shelter from the storms. Maybe everything just feels so out of control or out of sync. Maybe all is content and coming together. Maybe we are filled with wonder and awe. No matter how we are coming to Christmas, the poor Bambino of Bethlehem meets us. As we gaze upon him, he gazes into our heart, he knows our story and loves us deeply, he meets us in each Eucharist. As we look upon our Nativity Scene, as we gather for Christmas Mass, as we connect with family and friends the longing of our heart is stirred up. “Christmas fascinates us because all of us know deep down, in some way or another, the birth of this Child has something to do with the deepest longings and hopes which even today we still have not managed to shake off” (Dominican Cardinal Christoph Schönborn).  What is burning-yearning-longing in your heart?

Friar Thomas of Celano in his biography of St. Francis says of Greccio Christmas 1223: “Here simplicity is given a place of honour, poverty is exalted, humility is commended, and out of Greccio is made a new Bethlehem.” This is what was burning in the heart of St. Francis. It wasn’t just a one-time moment for him, rather it is an invitation for him and still one for us and our community. Our hearts becoming a new Bethlehem because we have opened our lives allowing in the Spirit with our hearts caught up in the mystery of the incarnation which is life for all. This season as we open our hearts and homes, let us do so with same eagerness of St. Francis in 1223. For when we do we are sure to encounter and welcome the Bambino of Bethlehem and be filled with joy.

As you pray before your Nativity Scene consider:

How does my Nativity Scene remind me of simplicity?

Where am I invited to share joy this season?

What areas in my life do I need to work on humility?

How and where is my life being made into a new Bethlehem?

Who and what intentions do I need to carry with me to Christmas Mass to present to the Bambino of Bethlehem and put upon the altar?

 

Simplicity. Poverty. Humility. New.

All wrapped up in a child.

St. Francis knew these gifts and the Bambino intimately.

He reminds us we do as well when make space

in our heart for the Bambino of Bethlehem.

As Christmas draws near let us do so with hope and joy.

Advent 2023 - Week 2- Celebrating 800 Years of the Nativity Scene

 

In the Christmas at Greccio 1223 text from the life of St. Francis by Friar Thomas Celano, the account includes the following tidbits of information. “Blessed Francis had John summoned to him some fifteen days prior to the birthday of the Lord. Francis said to him, “hurry before me and carefully make ready the things I tell you. For I wish to enact the memory of that babe who was born in Bethlehem, to see as much as possible how he lay in a manger, and how, with an ox and donkey standing by, he rested on the hay.” So begins the tradition of creating a place to honour the birth of Jesus known as Nativity Scenes.

Do you know where your Nativity Scene (crèche) comes from? Not so much where it was made rather was it gifted to you? Did you purchase it? Is it part of an ongoing collection? Is it a family heirloom? Are their odd pieces or unique characters? 

Before I joined the Franciscans, I had collected Nativity Scenes. Some from local artists, others from around the world, others from craft sales and others from department stores. My collection began when my parents gifted me a Nativity Set the Christmas of my Grade 12 year. The collection continued to grow as friends and colleagues gifted Nativity Scenes to me. They would bring them back trips or from unique stops in their shopping. I was always amazed by these beautiful treasures and enjoyed setting them up each year. Each one unique, but like St. Francis and his friend John, each took time to set up. 

When I joined the Franciscans, I needed to decide what to do with this large collection. After some pondering, I decided to gift them to a variety of people who had journeyed and accompanied me over the years. I also made sure my nephews and nieces and Godchildren would have a set to begin their Christmas traditions. It was a great joy to be able to share this tradition with others, and to honor the creativity spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and see how others set up the scene.

My now much smaller collection has had two special additions over the past couple of years. After the death of both of my Grandmothers I was gifted their nativity sets. I recall how each of my Grandmothers set up their nativity scenes in a certain way and each in a particular place. I remember as a child standing before them captivated by how they were arranged and how they looked different from the one we had at home. As an adult I stood before them grateful for the gift of Christmas and the foundation of faith my Grandparents had built. 

These treasured Nativities which have been a part of my life since my childhood now find a special place in my room for me to ponder with St. Francis “the memory of the babe who was born in Bethlehem.” The simple figures remind me of the connection to my family, my faith, to the Saint of Assisi and to how the story of the birth of Christ is made known and made new for us each year. 

I am grateful for how St. Francis had the idea for the crèche which invites us to focus on the true spirit of the season. Beyond the decorations, beyond the carols, the food and the gatherings we come back to a simple, harsh cave and simple crib made from a feedbox where the child was born - our God with us in all the moments of our life. 

The gift of the Nativity Scene is an invitation to be present to those who journey with us and those who inspire us. The uniqueness of each Nativity and how it is set up reminds us of the creativity and the gifts we share. As we pause before our Nativity Scenes in this special 800th anniversary year let us do so with grateful hearts praying for our loved ones, our neighbours and our communities. 

Let us also prayer for peace in our broken world and for those who are hurting at this time of year.

    Who am I being called to be present to this season?

    How am I being invited to pause?

    How is my relationship with the “Babe born in Bethlehem”?

Praying In The Season:

As you pause before your crèche/nativity pray in thanksgiving for those who have been a guide for in your journey of faith and those who inspire you in your faith journey now.

Turn your prayer into a message of gratitude by sending a gratitude Christmas card or email to these people.

Pray for those who share their creativity and talents by telling stories, creating art, music and places of beauty.

As you decorate your home or write cards and listen to carols be attentive to how the gifts of others bless you.

Continued Advent Blessings

Advent 2023 – 800 Years - Celebrating the Nativity Scene

Each year during the season of Advent we set up Nativity Scenes (crèches) in our homes and churches. This scene captures for us the glorious moment of Christ being born among us, telling the story of the Christ Child, Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds, the magi, and animals. Each Nativity Scene is unique as some have cultural ties, others are creative in style, and others are passed down from generation to generation. The way we set these scenes up in our homes is also unique – some of us place them under the tree, others on the mantle and still others create full background scenes to enhance the story.

I have loved the treasure of the Nativity Scene since I have been a child. Each year I would spend time just gazing upon the scene before me. I continue to do this now, to pause before the scene and be reminded of the mystery and gift of God with us. Any church or home I visit during the Advent and Christmas seasons I try to stop in front of the crèche for at least a moment of prayer. I would encourage all of us, no matter our age, to do this during this season – let us be reminded of why we celebrate.

I have had the great privilege of seeing many Nativities over the years. Some in places such as St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal, at a Nativity Festival in Wisconsin and even at Greccio in Italy. Each time being held captive by the creativity and beauty before me.

Greccio is the birthplace of the presentation of the Nativity Scene and this year we celebrate 800 years of this gift. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating or further enhancing this tradition in 1223. He had a desire for the people to be reminded of the birth of Christ – the simplicity and humbleness of God born in the poverty of life. He created the scene in a cave at Greccio (a favorite place of his to pray). He had his friend John help him carry in straw and bring in a donkey and ox. He then invited the people of Greccio to come with torches and candles and light the way to the cave and manger. There on Christmas Eve 1223, Midnight Mass was celebrated in the cave and the people were filled with wonder and awe. They encountered again the Christmas story not as a story of long ago, rather as a living real story which intersected with their lives. The annual tradition took hold and from 1223 the creating of the Nativity Scene has unfolded into an annual treasured Christmas ritual.

What is the story of your Nativity Scene?

Where did it come from?

Why do you like it?

Praying in the Season:

 As you set up your nativity scene or spend time in prayer before it, pray with each part of the scene. Meditating with the nativity connects us with how St. Francis and the early brothers prayed. Place your self in the bible scene of the birth of Christ. Visualize it and prayerfully enter into it. Become one of the characters. How is your heart stirred? What are you being called to do or who are you being called to pray for?

 Praying with the:

Stable and Manger – giving thanks for shelter and for the Bread of Life.

 Animals – consider how they aid our living.

Shepherds – praying for the poor, those who labour to make ends meet.

Magi – give thanks for the treasures we have and share with others.

Angels – pray for those who share good news with you and your community.

Mary and Joseph – pray for young couples preparing for the birth of a child.

Christ Child – give thanks and praise for the gift of God with us – Emmanuel.

Advent Blessings!

Light Bearers in Times of Darkness

“You are the light of the world. Now a light does not illumine itself, but instead it diffuses its rays and shines all around upon everything that comes into its view.” 

– St. John of Capistrano

This reminder from an ancient saint is pertinent today. As our world continues to listen and see the horrors of war, the horrors of rage, the horrors of hate we must remember we are bearers of light. We believe the Divine One is infused in us so we in turn can diffuse this divine light into the world. No matter how dark the edges of the world seem to creep around us, no matter the hurts hurled at us, no matter the aching we can carry in our heart, we are met with a light greater than this all. This light not only meets us but also makes us look at our own dark places. This light invites us to let light be diffused into the darkness and to see with new vision. This vision always brings into view the redeeming and life-giving love of God.

We can sometimes feel insignificant when we look out our hurting world. We must not let ourselves be trapped by this attitude, rather we must remember the Christ – the Divine One lives and moves has his being in us (Acts 17.28). This is an awareness of the light we are and can diffuse into the world, even if just in our little corner. This is how hope and peace take root and strengthen our common bond beyond the walls of our heart.

With November drawing near we call to mind the many great saints known to all and the great saints known only to us. We also recall our deceased loves ones and are reminded of their light. These women, men and children from all walks of life and all places are light bearers. They stand with us encouraging us to diffuse our light into the world. The darkness of the world has always been, if we place our trust in Christ, we can carry light into this darkness and transform it into a place with a great view.

Let us not be discouraged, rather let us rise with all the saints of glory and sing the resurrection song. There is light beyond us and a light within us, let us walk in the light of our Saviour on all the paths of life.

God of Light,

you have infused the light of your Son into our very being,

strengthen us so we may diffuse this light into our world,

no matter how big or how small our world may seem.

Amen.

Photo Credit: Josh Hild

 

A Letter to Saint Francis of Assisi

 

October 4, 2023

My Dear Brother Francis,

    Over the past few days as time has shifted into October, I have been paying attention to how creation is preparing for the season to come. Seeing the magnificent colors of leaves, hearing the deep swoosh of the wings of a low flying bird, tasting a delicious pear or sweet carrot, smelling the cool harvest air, feeling the touch of my habit around my body; our senses really do call us into an awareness of God.

    As I thought of this, I also thought of you. I thought of your final moments, as you laid on the bare earth, bare yourself, releasing your final breaths of your earthly life. I wonder how your senses were engaging you on this journey. I wonder if you struggled to allow yourself to be completely free and vulnerable. One last moment – one last hearing, tasting, smelling, touching and seeing of this life. Hearing your brothers’ voices in prayer, tasting Lady Jacoba’s cookies, smelling the earth, touching the hand of a dear brother and even in your limited sight seeing the contrast of darkness and light around you; each one a last moment.

    These last gifts, these final moments of surrendering I think were allowing you to know you had seen and touched all you could in your life. Trusting God was present in all your senses and life you must have seen this as invitation to let them guide you into God’s vast mercy and goodness. The closeness of Christ in these moments and the Holy Spirit ever present allowed you to be free and welcome Sister Death. I wonder if I do the same. Do I only notice my senses in the fleeting moments of a changing season? I pray I may be more attentive to them, like you were in all the moments of life. Trusting I met God again and again in the ordinary of each day through my senses, I am invited to encounter God’s magnificent and grandiose expressions of beauty. An expression of the depth of love and generosity given for me and for all.

    I know we are all on a journey to our final moments. Those last earthly moments which will release us from things both bad and good - seen, heard, touched, smelled and tasted. May I be brave enough to surrender them and be free to embrace the fullness of life you knew in Christ – Your All, in the final moments and in all moments.

    As the world celebrates and remembers you in these days, stir my heart to see, touch, smell, taste and hear the fullness of God. God is always all around us in the present moments, may I lean into this truth again renewed. I long to know Christ as you did. May I trust like you did and be attentive to the moments of each day knowing Christ is present. You allowed the Holy Spirit to guide your ways in the footsteps of Christ. May I be attentive to the pathways opening before me.

    My dear brother, as I pay attention to the changing season and my senses, I know I need to hear your words so I may continue to do what is mine to do and remain aligned in Christ – who is my All! I trust you walk with me and whisper your wisdom into my living. Peace to you my brother, much peace and gratitude.

Your little brother,

Michael

 

 

Autumn

The air has shifted

a refreshing coolness

time to take note

feel the change

an invitation

In this season

deep color schemes of leaves

warm morning skyscapes

busy harvesting squirrels

focused bird formations

an invitation

Autumn

your invitation

like an embrace

surrounds me with goodness

causes me to ponder

awakens me to moments

to be present

to appreciate

to dwell

to breathe it all in.

The goodness of God meeting me.

For Mom and For Carol

September 2023

September

Wisps of color across the sky.

Hues of pink, magenta and orange 

not seen in months.

A gentle coolness in the breeze.

A freshness which speaks to the

fullness of the journey.

Grey blue clouds come and go.

Like a blank canvas their invitation

is to ponder and be.

Green fading to lighter shades.

Knowing the time has been

well spent and cherished.

Another harvest from the garden.

The surprise of each picking

still delights the heart.

These sacred days filled with much.

The Season of Creation is the gift 

of this season changing month 

- September.

August Abundance

 

Filled and overflowing

is the bucket

with garden delights

many the variety

the colors exuberant 

you can smell

you can taste

the goodness already.

The kingdom of heaven

must be like this

rich, vibrant, delicious,

nourishing and healing.

I realize once again

we catch glimpses 

of the kingdom now

in the changing seasons

of life.

God is good.

Photo and Harvest Credit:  D. Perras

Declaring the Praise of Grandparents and Elders

- Feast of Saint Ann and Saint Joachim

        Elizabeth and Martin, Raymonde and Francois, Margaret and Lawrence, Phil, Sr. Mag, Laura and Fred, Joyce and Art, Martha, Rose, and Dot. These are the ancestors who have “left behind a name” in my life who I recall on this Feast of Saint Ann and Saint Joachim the savta and saba; the grandparents of Jesus. I do so declaring their praise (Sirach 44.1) for the impact they have had on my life.

The beautiful gift about a Feast Day such as this one of Saints Ann and Joachim, is it reminds us we come from story, from birth to death story is part of the fabric of who we are. The people we share this life with, the ancestors and elders such as Laura and Fred and Rose and Dot in my life, are storytellers helping to unfold the mystery of the love of God. All of us are story tellers, and we are woven into the great story of Christ. Like his Grandparents Ann and Joachim, our lives intersect into the story of Jesus as we carry forth the blessings of seeing and hearing the good news on this side of the resurrection. 

Jesus the great storyteller continually invites us into the deeper story of God’s love. I would like to imagine he was taught story not only from his parents but also from his grandparents. As his grandparents told him stories of the great ancestors of faith, the mighty journey of prophets and sages, and shared with him the wisdom of elders both women and men from his story, he must have caught glimpses of his Abba’s love and presence. 

My grandparents Elizabeth and Martin and Raymonde and Francois were amazing storytellers. I can recall as a child being captivated as they told story making everything bigger than my small life, as an adult I came to appreciate their wisdom. Their eyes sparkled and their words flowed easily as they shared stories of our ancestors, travels to Canada, updates on relatives, and spoke of their own journeys of faith and serving others. The story of their own lives woven into my own, as “their name lives on generation after generation.” 

As I prepare to gather with family members to celebrate the legacy or the shoots which have sprouted up of Elizabeth and Martin. I can’t help but think of how their witness to Christ is woven into our family – even if not all the members can see it, the grace of God has been made known and is present. It causes me to ponder again: How am I telling my story? How are our stories speaking Christ into the world?

The words of Jesus to his disciples about blessed are ears and eyes which hear and see, are an invitation to each one of us and our stories. We have a responsibility to respond to God’s gifts poured into our lives and to be aware of the graces of God. When we do so, we see how our story and our journey is blessed. Blessed because Christ meets us and blesses us whether we are learning to walk as the poor in spirit or in mourning, with meekness or in our hungering for righteousness. Whether it is in the way we share mercy or are rooted in purity, or in the way we share peace or struggle with persecution. Our story is part of the ongoing story which is and will be told of how God is present in our day.

Who are the grandparents and elders who have been witness for you? Who are the ancestors who declared Christ in your life? Who are the wise ones who need to have their praises sung? Which grandparent or elder are you remembering today? 

God, these are ancestors we remember and honor today on the feast of Saint Ann and Saint Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus. We entrust them to your tender care and mercy. We thank you for their witness of Christ your Son and the way they shared their stories, their faith, their gifts and embraced your grace. We hold them close and trust they continue to walk with us in holiness; blessed among your holy ones. Amen.

Photo Credit: Paolo Bendandi

 

Bless the Name of God

I will bless your name forever my God,

for you are the author of life,

abundant in goodness,

rich in blessings,

generous in love

in every season.

I will bless your name forever my God,

for it is woven into all of life,

from bees and watermelons,

cities and forest groves,

humanity and relationships

in every time and place.

I will bless your name forever my God,

for you meet me in the struggles,

guide me in ways everlasting,

show me true delights and wonder,

know the honest beating of my heart

in every moment.

I will bless your name forever my God,

for your name is declared 

with morning songs of the birds,

in the quiet pauses in the evening,

when work must be done

in every season and time. 

I will bless your name forever my God,

for summer bursts forth its fullness,

autumn shows its transforming depths,

winter weaves its warmth,

spring speaks of freshness and life

in every place and moment.

I will bless your name forever my God.

- inspired by Psalm 145

Photo Credit: Thomas Park

Summer

 

Fresh air lingers,

sweet bird songs loft,

varieties of green pop,

summer is claiming her spot.

 

We can remain

in our steady doing

or we can listen, pause and be,

summer has a way of doing this.

 

Bright blue sunny skies,

rolling fluffy clouds,

needed rain waters the earth,

summer declares her beauty.

 

Each day with our senses

we are called to take note

becoming aware again,

summer has a way of doing this.

 

Bursting pretty flowers,

fresh garden delights,

sweet scents from all over,

summer offers her gifts.

 

We are given much each day,

Creator God never fails,

called to be attentive in this season,

summer has a way of doing this.

 

Summer has a way of saying:

“Be still and know” God,

be still,

be.

 

 

Summer Blessings!

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kittle

For Us and For All

Living

now and here,

Closeness

my heart a home,

Feasting

always a banquet.

Bread of Life

nourishment for the journey,

Cup of Salvation

grace and peace pored out,

Eucharist

a thankful uplifted heart.

Banquet

all are welcome,

Intimate

transforming and renewing,

Life

for all the world.

Jesus,

you give yourself

freely in abundance

today, tomorrow and forever.

Jesus,

you invite us

to share you

today, tomorrow and forever.

Jesus,

you are food

for us and for all

today, tomorrow and forever.

Amen.

Photo Credit: Morgan Winston

Beyond What We See and Know

O God,

in you we live and move 

and have our being (Acts 17.28).

You O God,

who are one in being

and a community of love.

You who continually invites us

to our fullest self in the abundance

of your free, life-giving and divine love.

We often resist the freedom this love offers,

we desire to remain in the comfort of the uncomfortable,

yet you refuse this complacent choice, 

rather you speak deeper truth to us.

You who are a community love,

a triune force of goodness, hope and beauty,

you who meets us in the all and any directions 

our life is, has been or is going to be.

You dwell now then and there, 

for you are ever present,

your will is one which speaks life

into our weariness,

peace into our discontent,

joy into our yearning.

Father – Son – Spirit

Creator – Redeemer – Sanctifier

God – Savior – Advocate

no matter how 

we call to you or address you

we praise you,

you who are one 

and a community of love,

whose life force dwells in us,

inviting us in,

and calling us to your will,

for indeed in you 

we live and move and have our being

and for that we give thanks!

Amen.

Photo Credit: Aaron Burden

Pentecost is Not the End

 

Pentecost is so often looked at as one day, a bleep in the liturgical calendar, a reminder the Easter Season is over. If this is all we see Pentecost as we are robbing ourselves of the beauty of being caught up in the divine love of our Triune God.

Pentecost is a shift in our living. It is a statement to the way we live as Easter people as we live out our baptismal promises. If we profess the living Christ then Pentecost is the fuel which continually awakens us to Christ with us. It also awakens us to not only our gifts and abilities, but also to changes we must make in our living and how God continually meets us and strengthens us to make these changes.

Pentecost was not just a one-day event with flames and a dove and a variety of languages. It was a launching point for the ongoing mission of Jesus Christ. This mission is of justice, inclusion, freedom, forgiveness, peace, community and the depth of love. It was not just for Peter and the twelve those fifty days after the resurrection of Christ, it is still now and for us. 

Pentecost is more than the birthday of the church. It is envisioning of how the church is to be, such as “all together,” “filled,” “amazed and astonished,” “renewing,” “for the common good” and “sent.”* These descriptors should stir up in us questions we must ask ourselves. How are we utilizing our variety of gifts and services to build up the “one body” of the church? How are we aiding to the fullness of the common good in this “same God” who calls all people to life in the Spirit? Where are we noticing the amazing, astonishing, and renewing work of the Spirit in our daily living or are we even taking time to be amazed, astonished and renewed with goodness? Or are we too caught up in what we call the busyness of life?

Pentecost sends us forth, as followers of Christ to bear witness to the splendour of God with us. In his parting moments with the disciples Jesus offered them peace, reminded them they are sent in his name, and breathed on them – the very breath of life (the Holy Spirit). Their work was to pass this on to followers then and we now have inherited their mission and pick up what is ours to do in this age. The Spirit is with us, let us not hesitate or delay as we “journey from hope to clear vision” (from Solemn Blessing).

Blessings to you as we step into this time of Pentecost.

The Franciscans of Canada mark Pentecost as our Feast Day as we are the Holy Spirit Province Saint-Esprit. We humbly ask for your continued prayers and support. 

* see the assigned Lectionary scriptures for Pentecost

Photo Credit: Jenny Le

Easter Encounters

Easter Greetings!

Spending time with the Resurrection accounts this Easter week has allowed for pondering, insights and Easter Hope to settle in me and my journey. Along with Easter Hope comes Easter Joy which has been a reminder of Christ Risen always with us. As we continue into the Easter Season, I offer two poems. I will be taking a pause from posting reflections over the next several weeks. I pray Easter Hope and Joy continue to fill you and your homes during this season of new life.

 

Much peace and all good.

 

The Empty Tomb

The empty tomb

calls us to be

messengers of the good news

like Mary Magdalene.

The empty tomb

calls us to be

filled with awe

like the myrrh bearing women.

 

The empty tomb

calls us to be

heralds of hope

like Simon Peter.

 

The empty tomb

calls us to be

renewed in faith

like the disciple Thomas.

 

The empty tomb

calls us to be

dwellings of love

like the apostle John.

 

The empty tomb

calls us to be

sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit

like Mother Mary.

 

The empty tomb

calls us to

new life and new vision

now and for ever.

 

Amen.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

 

In Breaking Bread

In the breaking of the bread

love is strengthened

truth is poured out

relationship is restored.

 

In the breaking of the bread

our Saviour

our Redeemer

our Way is made known.

 

In the breaking of the bread

we become one

we are called to serve

we become messengers of hope.

 

In the breaking of the bread

Christ has died

Christ is Risen

Christ continuously comes to us.

 

In the breaking of the bread

community gathers

we celebrate and remember

gifts and graces of love outpoured.

 

In the breaking of the bread

we know Christ Jesus

offering ourselves with him

for the life of the world.

 

In the breaking of the bread.

 

 

 

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

Easter Blessings!

 

 

Photo Credits:

Bruno van der Kraan

Mike Kenneally

Easter: Life from Death

 

Life is full of unknowns

death seems to lurk always near.

Life from death

does not make sense.

Yet the parable of the seed

gives insight into this reality.

Christ Jesus

crucified – died – buried

Risen from the dead

trampling death

bringing us life.

Life not as we know it

rather beyond what we can know.

With him we too rise

death although earthly has no real grip.

Continually on the journey

new life springs forth from what has died.

Christ Jesus

Risen from the dead

our fullness of life

we praise you

for defeating death.

Amen! 

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Easter Blessings!

Photo Credit: Pisit Heng

Holy Week: The Crossbeam

The crossbeam of my life

anxiety

sickness

instability

                        and I fall.

The crossbeam of my life

physical ailment

mental breakdown

spiritual emptiness

       and I fall.

The crossbeam of my life

fear

loneliness

expectation

       and I fall.

Each time I fall,

I am strengthened by the

love and Passion of Christ

                       and I rise.

He who knows

the crossbeam of my life

leads me to freedom

in his resurrected life.

Photo Credit: Pavel Nekoranec

 

Lent V: Lazarus

 

Seeking new life

amongst the tombs of life

leaves me bound up.

 

Broken hearted and left questioning,

called to trust and believe,

is new life possible?

 

New life for me,

here and now,

it seems impossible.

 

Even the Son of God

was disturbed greatly

and wept bitterly.

 

So, I too must able

to express my sorrow

and the agony of letting go.

 

When I do face what binds me

I am met again and again

with the promise of hope.

 

Jesus says: I am

the resurrection

and the life.

 

I know he hears my prayers,

he feels my pain

and comforts my sorrow.

 

The stench of life

has no grip on me,

for God’s love is greater.

 

I am unbound,

I believe,

I am Lazarus – free!

 

 

Photo Credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Lent IV: Belief

 

Lord, I believe.

I say the words,

do I mean them?

Blindness

comes in many forms,

what are mine?

Do I fail to see

light, life and love

right here and now?

Am I afraid

my belief

will insult others?

Lord, I believe.

You are my vision,

open my eyes.

My blindness

leaves me isolated,

open my eyes.

You are the way

which leads to life,

open my eyes.

I need not be

like Pharisees,

open my eyes.

Lord, I believe.

I trust in the new sight

You give me today.

With eyes opened,

I testify to your love,

for I do believe.

- Inspired by John 9.1-41

Photo Credit: Dyu - Ha