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Franciscan Readings for
Week Commencing
1 June, 2008
9th Week Ordinary Time A
Sunday 1 June 2008
(A reading from The Founding of the Order by John of Purugia)
Francis invited Cardinal Hugolino to every chapter entreating him with words to come because he desired Hugolino to be the brother of the friars. They would invite him to come to their Chapter at Pentecost where all the friars of the world would gather. At all times. the brothers welcomed the Pope who was a brother among them. Offering themselves to his will, the Pope said, All I want is for you brothers to pray to the Lord.
Lord, breathe your spirit into us call us to greatness and call us to be meagre among our lesser sisters and brothers. Help us to move with your spirits will.
Monday 2 June 2008
(A reading from The Life of St Francis by Thomas of Celano)
Francis was extremely determined and paid no attention to anything beyond what was of the Lord. Though he often preached the word of God among thousands of people, he was as confident as if he were speaking with a close friend. He used to view the largest crowd of people as one single person and talk to them as such. He would say the most amazing things to people, even with minimal preparation. Sometimes he could not remember what we was going to say after meditation, and would, without guile, tell the people that he couldnt remember what he was to say and then go on to move them with tears with his beautiful praises of God.
Lord, help us to be open to your inspiration and fill with joy all who hear us speak.
Tuesday Charles Lwanga & Companions 3 June 2006
After the King of Uganda put to death the catechist, Charles Lwanga and his companions continued the task of evangelisation. It was through a perhaps typical misunderstanding of the purpose behind catechesis that the Ugandan king became jealous and ordered all of the catechists connected to the White Fathers to be rounded up and marched along a road for 37 miles to their execution. The searing brutality saw Charles and his companions die for the love of teaching the faith.
(A reading from The Life of St Francis by Thomas of Celano)
Once, Francus came to Rome on a matter concerning the Order, and he yearned to speak before the Lord Pope Honorius and the Cardinals. Lord Hugo, the Bishop of Ostia, and he led Francis to the Lord Pope. Standing the presence of the Princes of the Church, Francis spoke with such fire of spirit, that he could not contain himself for joy. As he brought forth the word from his mouth, he moved his feet as if dancing, not playfully but burning with the fire of divine love, not provoking laughter but moving them to tears of sorrow. For many of them were touched in their hearts, amazed at the grace of God and the great determination of the man.
Lord, we all preach in our actions and our words. Grant us integrity and a guard over our lips when the occasion demands it.
Wednesday 4 June 2008
(A reading from the Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul by Thomas of Celano)
When Francis returned from Verona, he had heard that a new house of brothers was built near Bologna. Going by another way, Francis had the friars and the sick thrown from the residence as quickly as possible. The house of the brothers was disbanded, such was the distaste Francis had for possessions.
Lord, you give us everything we need. Show us the simplicity of beautiful and help us to let go of those things that do not matter
Thursday Boniface 5 June 2008
Martyred in about 755, Boniface was born in England but is most associated with Germany. His most infamous act was to chop down the sacred oak of the pagans, the one dedicated to Thor. This is where we get the Christmas Tree tradition from as he then made it a sacred Christian symbol. He was a tremendous founder of monasteries and served the church into his 80s until he was struck down by a Heathen in the Netherlands.
(A reading from The Assisi Compilation)
Francis reached Florence and he found Lord Hugolino, the Bishop of Ostia and the future Pope. The Lord prohibited Francis from going into France saying, I do not want you to go beyond the mountains because there are many over there who would wish your way of life to be suppressed. Stay here where I and the other Cardinals will protect you. Francis said, Do you think that the Lord chose and sent the brothers only for Italy? The Lord chose and sends us for the salvation of the souls of all the people in the world and we should be received in the lands of the believers and the lands of the non-believers. As long as they observe what they promised the Lord, they will minister to them well.
Lord, you call us to different ways of life. We may not all be missionaries but give us the spirit of including all people in our mission to our neighbour as followers of Christ.
Friday 6 June 2008
(A reading from The Assisi Compilation)
Two of the bright lights in the world were Dominic and Francis. They were both in the presence of the Lord Bishop of Ostia when he asked them, Why do we not make bishops and prelates of your brothers? There arose a disagreement about answering, neither saint wishing to go first. The brothers are lesser, they will never be greater. They have been called this to teach them to stay down to earth and to follow the footprints of Christs humility, which in the end will exalt them above others in the sight of the saints.
Lord, lead us close to the earth, make us humble but wise as serpents. Bless us with your holy spirit and keep us always in your embrace as your little ones on earth.
Saturday 7 June 2008
(A reading from the wirings of Bartholomeo of Pisa)
The Lord Cardinal Ugolino came to visit Francis in Cortona. When Francis saw him coming, he fled over the hills and into the forest. The Cardinal followed him and, upon catching up with Francis, said, Why did you flee from me? Francis replied, I am a poor man and wretched. I fled because I was embarrassed that such a great man as yourself would come to me. But the Cardinal said, I have often wondered whether or not I should stay as I am or give up all that I possess to follow you. Tell me what to do I will do whatever you tell me.
You are a great man and would do such good as a Cardinal, said Francis, Yet you would make an excellent friar with your preaching and your eloquence which is turned to Christ. I do not know what you are to do.
Neither did the Cardinal. Once he had become Pope Gregory, he put on the friars habit and sandals and went about amongst the poor. On one occasion, the Pope was dressed in the habit washing the wounds of some poor men when one of them exclaimed, Bring another friar! You dont know how to wash feet! and the Holy Father got up and obeyed.
Lord, we have an exalted place for ourselves on earth. Help us to show the kindness that you show us let us feed the poor and bandage the wounds that have been inflicted by a cruel world.
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