Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions For 2011
General Intention: That the family may be respected by all in its identity and that its irreplaceable contribution to all of society be recognized.
Missionary Intention: That in the mission territories where the struggle against disease is most urgent, Christian communities may witness to the presence of Christ to those who suffer.
Today in Catholic History:
† 672 – Death of Saint Chad
† 962 – Translatio imperii: Pope John XII crowns Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, the first Holy Roman Emperor in nearly 40 years.
† 1119 – Guido di Borgogna elected Pope Callistus II
† 1613 – Birth of Noël Chabanel, French Jesuit missionary (d. 1649)
† 1649 – Birth of Benedict XIII, [Pierfrancesco Orsini], Italy, 245th pope (1724-30)
† 1769 – Death of Clement XIII, [Carlo Rezzonico], Pope (1758-69), at age 75
† 1854 – Pope Pius IX encyclical “On persecution of Armenians”
† 1882 – The Knights of Columbus are formed in New Haven, Connecticut.
† 1906 – Pope encyclical against separation of church & state
† 1925 – Birth of David Abell Wood, priest
† 1974 – Pope Paul VI encyclical “To Honor Mary”
† 1983 – Pope John Paul II names 18 new cardinals
† 1986 – Dalai Lama meets Pope John Paul II in India
† 1995 – Death of Andre Frossard, French publicist (Defense of Pope), at age 80
† Feasts/Memorials: Candlemas; The Presentation of the Lord; The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary; St. Adelbald; St. Cornelius
† Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Church: Encounter of our Lord with Simeon – Major Feast Day
† World Day for Consecrated Life (also February 3 in the United States).(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com) &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)
Quote or Joke of the Day:
“Catholic Church’s are prayer-conditioned for your (eternal) enjoyment!”
Franciscan Formation Reflection:
This is a thirteen (13) part reflection on a letter from the SFO International Council website. It is titled “An exhortation of the Church to the Secular Franciscan Order” by Benedetto Lino, OFS. It can be read in full at http://www.ciofs.org/Y2009/a9ENrodelet.html.
(Continuation from Previous blog)
Part 10 of 13 Parts
John Paul II, in his Message in 2002, questions this and challenges us to see to it that we never fail in our faithfulness to our vocation and Profession:
If you are truly driven by the Spirit to reach the perfection of charity in your own secular state, “it would be a contradiction to settle for a life of mediocrity marked by a minimalist ethic and superficial religiosity” (Nove millennio ineunte 31). You must be sincerely committed to that “high standard of ordinary Christian living” to which I invited the faithful at the end of the Great Jubilee of 2000 (Ibid).
Let us be called, brothers and sisters, by these exhortations to renew our commitment and walk with courage and humility in the ways of the Lord.
It is all about, dearest brothers and sisters:
- examining our own faith
- examining our faithfulness to our vocation and Profession of Evangelical Life
- examining and renewing the authenticity of our permanent “conversion”
(Continued on next published blog)
From “An exhortation of the Church
to the Secular Franciscan Order”
A commentary on Cardinal Franc Rodé’s letter
By: Benedetto Lino OFS
SFO International Council Website
http://www.ciofs.org/Y2009/a9ENrodelet.html
Today’s reflection is about Jesus’ presentation in the Temple.
22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (NAB Luke 2:22-40)
The presentation of Jesus in the temple shows that Joseph and Mary were devout Jews and faithful followers of the Mosaic Law (Like we really need more proof!). Just as John [the Baptist] had been incorporated into the Jewish faithful of Israel through his circumcision (just a few months earlier), the infant Jesus becomes a member of God’s “chosen people” through the same action of His own “sacred” circumcision. By Mosaic Law, it is at this time that a Jewish baby received his name: in this case, “Jesus”, meaning “God Saves.” Jesus is now considered part of the “chosen people” of God, in the same respect and distinction religiously as Simeon, Anna, and even the parents of John:
“Both [John’s parents] were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly” (Luke 1:6)
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” (Luke 2:25)
“There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” (Luke 2:36-37).
Any woman who gave birth to a boy was unable to touch anything sacred (except her husband – [he, he]), or to enter the temple area by reason of her “legal” impurity for forty days according to the Mosaic Law:
”Tell the Israelites: When a woman has conceived and gives birth to a boy, she shall be unclean for seven days, with the same uncleanness as at her menstrual period. On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin shall be circumcised, and then she shall spend thirty-three days more in becoming purified of her blood; she shall not touch anything sacred nor enter the sanctuary till the days of her purification are fulfilled. If she gives birth to a girl, for fourteen days she shall be as unclean as at her menstruation, after which she shall spend sixty-six days in becoming purified of her blood. “When the days of her purification for a son or for a daughter are fulfilled, she shall bring to the priest at the entrance of the meeting tent a yearling lamb for a holocaust and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. The priest shall offer them up before the LORD to make atonement for her, and thus she will be clean again after her flow of blood. Such is the law for the woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl child. If, however, she cannot afford a lamb, she may take two turtledoves or two pigeons, the one for a holocaust and the other for a sin offering. The priest shall make atonement for her, and thus she will again be clean.” (Leviticus 12:2-8)
At the end of this period she was required by Mosaic Law to offer a year-old lamb as a burnt offering, and a turtle-dove or young 
pigeon as an atonement of sin. The Holy Family could not afford the customary offering of a lamb. According to today’s Gospel, Mary’s offering instead was two turtle-doves or two young pigeons (as allowed by Mosaic Law). So, is this proof of Mary and Joseph led a humble and austere life?
Yep, Jesus was born in an ordinary home without many (if any) extras or luxuries. Like all God-fearing parents, Mary and Joseph raised Jesus in a belief, fear, and wisdom of God through their Judaic religious faith, practices, and traditions. With such devout parents, Jesus, being obedient to His mother and stepfather, grew in wisdom and grace.
They took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem (which means “city of peace”) to present him to God. As the firstborn son, Jesus was consecrated to God as the Law required:
“Consecrate to me every first-born that opens the womb among the Israelites, both of man and beast, for it belongs to me. You shall dedicate to the LORD every son that opens the womb; and all the male firstlings of your animals shall belong to the LORD.” (Exodus 13:2, 12)
The “Law” further stipulated that any firstborn son should be redeemed by the parents through a payment of five shekels.
“You shall take five shekels for each individual, according to the standard of the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to
the shekel. Give this silver to Aaron and his sons as ransom for the extra number.” (Numbers 3:47-48)
Five shekels amounted to just about 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of pure silver. The probable reason for the Temple obligation of “redeeming” the firstborn son through the giving to the Temple expressly “five shekels” is found in the Book of Numbers:
“Every living thing that opens the womb, whether of man or of beast, such as are to be offered to the LORD shall be yours; but you must let the first-born of man, as well as of unclean animals, be redeemed. The ransom for a boy is to be paid when he is a month old; it is fixed at five silver shekels according to the sanctuary standard, twenty gerahs to the shekel.” (Numbers 18:15-16)
I found a couple of possible explanations for “five shekels” of silver being used for the regulation just mentioned above. One of which I found elsewhere in Holy Scripture, and the other in Wikipedia.
First, let’s look at Holy Scripture. In Genesis, Rachel’s firstborn son, Joseph (You know, the one with the fancy coat) was sold by his brothers for twenty silver pieces (which is equivalent of “five shekels” per my Bible commentaries).
“They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. Some Midianite traders passed by, and they pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and took him to Egypt.” (Genesis 37:28)
This may have established that the “standard price” for a firstborn son being “five shekels” for the ransom to “redeem” the child. Interesting for me is that “twenty pieces of silver” was the exact price paid to Judas for betraying Jesus. Could this infer the payment required to redeem us?!
The Second source for this amount of money comes from the “Zohar”, a book from a Jewish “mystical” belief known as Kabbalah. Per the “Zohar”, the number five (5) is symbolic of the Hebrew letter “hei”, which was added to Abram’s name (becoming Abraham) when the time came for him to father Isaac, – – and the Jewish nation – – as written in the Book of Genesis:
“No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations.” (Genesis 17:5)
God’s choosing of the Jewish people as His “nation”, and the consecration and redemption of the firstborn alludes to Abraham. Thus, FIVE (5) shekels is the price for redemption.
What we DO know for certain, is that Jesus is presented to God at the Temple in Jerusalem as a baby; paying for the privilege of being 
consecrated to the service of God, as was all firstborn sons of the Jewish faithful. Jesus however, also paid for OUR privilege of being saved from sin and death through His human pain, suffering, and death on that Holy Tree some thirty odd years later into His human and earthly life. He will again be presented in this same place, this SAME Temple, at the end of His earthly ministry. At this time Jesus will be presented not as the newborn infant, but instead as the “Messiah Christ!!” Still a consecrated servant of God, Jesus offered far greater than a few coins to pay for His privilege of servicing God, and redeeming His people. He offered His life and death – – for our “redemption”.
Simeon (His name translates to “God has heard” – WOW!) was not a priest, but instead simply just a devout worshiper, always in the Temple. He reminds me of an elderly gentleman I know (named John) whom I see at my local parish church nearly every single time I am there. This man is always observed picking up little pieces of trash, straightening books, cleaning the parking lot, pruning the church and grotto flowers, dusting, – – and of course praying!
Though not a priest, Simeon obviously was close to his (and ours) loving God in the simple and miraculous fact that he received a prophetic vision that very few fellow “sinful humans” are privileged to experience. This vision was given to him directly from God (no
messenger here), and it was about the “Messiah”. Simeon here (and Anna later) speaks about the child “Savior” that all faithful Jews were awaiting with anticipation. Jesus is the ONE awaited “child” who is the “Redeemer” of Jerusalem as prophesized in the Old Testament. Simeon recognized Jesus as “a sign that will be contradicted” – – a Messiah “destined for the fall and rise of many.” (Luke 2:34)
Simeon and Anna represent the hopes and expectations of faithfully devout Jews who were looking forward to the full and true restoration of God’s rule in Israel. The birth of Jesus joyfully and gloriously brought these hopes to fulfillment for these two faithful servants of God (and for many others also).
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Simeon prophesied that Jesus was to be “a light for revealing to the Gentiles“. Five centuries earlier Malachi prophesied such an event (Malachi 3:1). The Holy Spirit always reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are open, receptive and ready to receive him. Do you recognize the presence of the Lord within and working through you?
How exciting it would be to actually see someone of a divine nature you had actually hoped and prayed for over many years, and to actually recognize that divinity in the infant child fully and truly alive and present before you. In his excitement Simeon extols openly and publicly a beautiful prayer:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation.” (Luke 2:29-30)
He is now ready to die – – ready to be with God in paradise – – because he has found “salvation” in his very presence on earth. A salvation he had awaited his entire life.
I still remember the instance I looked at my wife on our wedding day, and each of my new-born children in the delivery room. The excitement and happiness I felt at those moments was so elating. Would not gazing upon the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord, have to be many times greater than these most profound moments I witnessed in my life? I cannot wait to gaze upon you, my Lord and my all.
The Jewish “Presentation” ritual, along with the associated circumcision of males, and the redemption of the first-born, points to the fact that children are truly and fully gifts from God. So why are large numbers of infants killed daily in an infanticide erroneously called “therapeutic abortions”? There is absolutely NOTHING “therapeutic” about this tragedy!
Remember, Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lord’s presence in the temple. Anna, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit. Anna 
was a beautifully spiritual woman. Through her faith and actions, she presents a model of devoutness, righteousness, and saintliness to the trust, hope, and faith in God as we advance in age, especially into the elder years. Advancing age, and the tragedies and disappointments of life, can easily make us sad, cynical, and hopeless if we do not have our hope and trust in eternal paradise with God firmly rooted into our soul. Anna’s hope and trust in God and His promises grew in her with age. It resulted in a bountiful harvest of spirituality blossoming in, through, and out of her soul and heart. She never ceased to worship God in faith and to pray with a hope and trust in God’s plan of salvation.
When reading Simeon’s prophesies, they are so somber to me. “Many will reject Jesus.” Even in His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus (and the Holy Family) was ostracized by neighbors who may have thought Jesus was simply an illegitimate child of Mary, whom herself was merely thought of by many “neighbors” as an “adulterer” while still only “betrothed” to Joseph. Jesus brought a new “covenant” to all people (including His town-folks) regardless of their status, nationality, or even beliefs, past actions, and/or behaviors.
“And you yourself a sword will pierce” (from verse 35) is so dismal, depressing, and prophetic for me! Who would want their mother to be in pain? However, Mary herself will not be untouched by the various reactions to the life and teachings of her loving child,
Jesus. Her gift of being the mother of the Lord will be challenged by her son, Jesus!! Jesus Himself describes true blessedness as “hearing the word of God and observing it.”
“While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed. He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.’“ (Luke 11:27-28)
“He was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.’ He said to them in reply, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.’” (Luke 8:20-21).
Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph. He prophesied to Mary about the destiny of Jesus, and the suffering she would undergo for His sake. The Virgin Mother was given the “blessedness” of being the true mother of the Son of God (and thus the mother of God as well). That blessedness was also a two-edged sword, piercing her heart as her beloved Son suffered and died upon the Holy Tree. She received simultaneously – – a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow – – as her son received a crown of thorns.
Jesus did not come wielding a sword, or destructive weapon of any kind. Yet, He dies at the hands of others. Weapons of evil and destruction are wielded against Him. Instead of a destructive weapon, Jesus wielded a CON-structive weapon against evil – – His “good news” – – the Gospel of salvation! Loyalty to Jesus leads each of us to a pointed sword pressing against our “hearts” and souls: – – our relationships, our reputations, our ambitions, and even our monetary and earthly treasures.
The Jerusalem Temple is long gone, leaving a simple piece of one wall as its only physical remnant to the past. However, Jesus is now the NEW temple: (John 1:14; 2:19-22).
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking about the temple of his body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.” (John 2:19-22)
In the Old Testament God manifested his presence in the “pillar of cloud” by day and the “pillar of fire” at night as He led Moses and the Israelites through the wilderness. God’s magnificent and supreme glory came to dwell in a visible way over the ark and tabernacle:
“Then the cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. Moses could not enter the meeting tent, because the cloud settled down upon it and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling. Whenever the cloud rose from the Dwelling, the Israelites would set out on their journey. But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward; only when it lifted did they go forward. In the daytime the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling; whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud by the whole house of Israel in all the stages of their journey.” (Exodus 40:34-38)
When the first temple was built in Jerusalem God’s glory came to rest there (cf., 1 Kings 8). After the first temple was destroyed, Ezekiel saw God’s glory leave it (cf., Ezekiel 10). But God promised one day to fill it with even greater glory (see Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 8-9). That promise is fulfilled when the “King of Glory” himself comes to his temple:
“Lift up your heads, O gates; rise up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may enter. Who is this king of glory? The LORD, a mighty warrior, the LORD, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates; rise up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may enter. Who is this king of glory? The LORD of hosts is the king of glory.” (Psalm 24:7-10)
“I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:1)
Through Jesus’ coming in the flesh along with His saving death, resurrection, and ascension we are made living temples for his Holy Spirit:
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.” (1 Cor. 3:16-17)
Open the doors to your heart, soul, thoughts, and actions for the Holy Spirit to dwell in, and to work in and through you. Welcome Him in with open arms. Grasp God in a bear hug of love and want. Give Him your best in everything.
What a radical departure from ‘traditional’ Judaism! Jesus awakened and probably scared some people in His teachings, approach, and life style. There appeared to be many reasons for not wanting to be “around” this man named Jesus, or to follow Him. However, when condensed, all these reasons were simply and purely out of plain, simple fear; a fear that I believe stemmed from ignorance. This ignorance could be seen throughout Holy Scripture in the fear emanated from the watchful eyes of the Temple priests and elders; and in the fear from the Roman government who was concerned about civil unrest and uprisings stemming from Jesus’ teachings and activities.
The model believer of trust and hope, the model disciple of Christ – – was Mary. She had to decide what her role was going to be in salvation history: either to follow God’s plan or her own. Though she was truly the faithful mother of God, Mary still had ‘free will.’ Family ties do not create faith – – only faith creates faith.
She did not want to leave her homeland any more than Joseph wanted to leave. However, according to God’s plan, Mary would have to escape to Egypt in order to protect her baby Jesus. She would have to experience the fear of losing a child for three days in His youth. And, Sadly, Mary would have to witness the devastation and despair of Jesus’ trial, scourging, crucifixion, and burial.
Mary, and Jesus, had to tread a rough and treacherous path hewed out for her by God, but isn’t sacrificing the “language” of love? It is because of her sharing so much in the pain, suffering, and humiliation of Jesus, that she is called the “co-redemptrix” – – the co-redeemer – – in the Catholic Church.
Through all of these trials of faith – – Mary never faltered. I believe she handled all these “sorrows” because she knew what was 
needed, and expected from herself, and from her son. More importantly, Mary trusted in God’s providence at every stage in hers and Jesus’ life. Even prior to Jesus’ birth, the teenage Mary had already surrendered her soul, her heart, and her body to God. She allowed the Holy Spirit to dwell in her – – and act through her. Mary had NO doubts about God in her life, and in her priorities. Even in the worst of times for her and her son on this earth, she never lost her faith, love, and trust in God’s plan for her. We can, and we need, to learn from her example. Please help me Lord to find the strength and fortitude to love, trust, and follow you as did your blessed mother, Mary, so perfectly demonstrated for us all.
Do you know the joy of submission to God? Do you seek to pass on the Catholic faith, helping others to grow in wisdom, grace, and obedience to His word? What do you hope for in your life, and in your families’ future? How can you grow in hope? We all must place our total faith, hope, and trust in the promises of Jesus Christ. We must rely on the love, grace, and support of the Holy Spirit. Does your hope and fervor for God grow with age?
Jesus promised that “no one will take your joy away from you” (John 16:22). God gives us a mysterious grace of joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain, and which neither life nor death can take way. One of my favorite short prayers highlights this mystery:
“Jesus, there is nothing that is going to happen today that you and I can’t handle together.”
Ask Jesus Christ to renew your faith in the presence of His Holy Spirit living within you, and working through you for His glory. Give Him thanks and praise for coming to you and each of us individually. Thank Him for making His home (and place of business on earth) with and within you – – and through you!
“Morning Offering”
“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, and for the intentions recommended by our Holy Father for this month.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto yours.
O Mary, my Queen, my Mother, I give myself entirely to you, and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore good Mother, as I am your own, keep me, guard me as your property and possession.
St. Joseph, model and patron of those who love the Sacred Heart, pray for me. Amen.”
Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO
*****
A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day: Presentation of the Lord
At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her journal, discovered in 1887, gives an unprecedented glimpse of liturgical life there. Among the celebrations she describes is the Epiphany
(January 6), the observance of Christ’s birth, and the gala procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple 40 days later—February 15. (Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she was to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice—her “purification.” Contact with anyone who had brushed against mystery—birth or death—excluded a person from Jewish worship.) This feast emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple more than Mary’s purification.
The observance spread throughout the Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries. Because the Church in the West celebrated Jesus’ birth on December 25, the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days after Christmas.
At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession; at the end of the same century the blessing and distribution of candles which continues to this day became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas.
Comment:
In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast dub it the feast of St. Simeon, the old man who burst into a song of joy which the Church still sings at day’s end.
Quote:
“Christ himself says, ‘I am the light of the world.’ And we are the light, we ourselves, if we receive it from him…. But how do we receive it, how do we make it shine? …[T]he candle tells us: by burning, and being consumed in the burning. A spark of fire, a ray of love, an inevitable immolation are celebrated over that pure, straight candle, as, pouring forth its gift of light, it exhausts itself in silent sacrifice” (Paul VI).
Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
(From http://www.americancatholic.org website)
Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #’s 2 & 3 of 26:
2. The Secular Franciscan Order holds a special place in this family circle. It is an organic union of all Catholic fraternities scattered throughout the world and open to every group of the faithful. In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state. By their profession they pledge themselves to live the gospel in the manner of Saint Francis by means of this rule approved by the Church.
3. The present rule, succeeding “Memoriale Propositi” (1221) and the rules approved by the Supreme Pontiffs Nicholas IV and Leo XIII, adapts the Secular Franciscan Order to the needs and expectations of the Holy Church in the conditions of changing times. Its interpretation belongs to the Holy See and its application will be made by the General Constitutions and particular statutes.
"Dan's Blunders & Wonders of Thought!" 