Franciscan Christmas

In Franciscan spirituality, the Incarnation is an important event. It is the great gift of the Most High Father of His Son, Jesus Christ who, out of Love, through His own poverty becomes One with us.

For Father Francis, the Incarnation was a time of great joy. Bethlehem spoke of the love and poverty of God. It was by the example of God, the Word made Flesh – that our Holy Father Saint Francis embraced Lady Poverty and begin our Way of Life. In the year 1223, in the small town of Greccio, that he built a new Bethlehem.

Today, more than ever, the goal of every Franciscan is to make every city, every place a new Greccio, where Jesus the Christ becomes a real, living experience. However, we can never create the new Greccio if we do not experience poverty.

Poverty flees the emptiness of the world and seeks the fullness of life in Christ. It loves little things, and is content with the ordinary things of life. For Franciscans, poverty is making things our slaves instead of enslaving us to things. When one is poor, he can possess nothing but God.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you this Christmas. May your have a Franciscan Christmas. God bless you!

HOLY POVERTY AND THE HOLIDAYS (Advent reflections for Franciscans based on an article by Br. JR)- LAST PART

The Gospel invites us to poverty and to detachment that Francis took very literally. Christmas is a great opportunity to express to the world that we have found a different path, by simplifying our celebration, our purchasing, and by sharing our surplus with the poorest of the poor. These are not the only days of the year when we observe Holy Poverty. They are special opportunities to ‘preach without words.’

While the world is engaged in the material aspects of these feasts, our focus is on the meaning and message of the day. If we do it right, we will stand out among our relatives and friends, just as Francis stood out from those around him, just as Jesus and Mary did too. We will have preached a good sermon.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...!