Diane M. Houdek

In this holiest of weeks, we are challenged more than ever to think about our own relationship with money and material goods.

The tension between material possessions and the spiritual life has always been part of religious life.

Just as Francis and his brothers welcomed Clare, the communion of saints encourages us on our way.

Francis has strong words for those who steadfastly refuse to adopt a life of peace, kindness, love of God and neighbor.

Francis understood that the way to imitate Jesus was by doing the good works that he had done, but there was also a mystical dimension to that identification.

“Are you greater than our father Abraham?” (John 8:53). Francis wanted to make sure that his brothers understood that any glory they might experience always reflected