Franciscan Spirit

Mosaic of Jesus

The Face of Jesus

Ancient tradition tells us that Luke, the author of the third Gospel, was a physician.

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Jesus and his passion

Jesus, the Passion, and the Garden of Gethsemane

We speak of one section of the Gospels, that which narrates Jesus’s life from the Last Supper until his death and burial, as chronicling his “passion.”
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Notes from a Friar: Jesus Becomes a Brother to All Creatures

When the Word took on flesh in Christ, not only were human beings lifted up to a new and glorious dignity, but all other creatures were lifted up as well.
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Jesus and his apostles

Franciscan Inspirations: Jesus Chooses His 12 Apostles

Many people find Jesus’ choice of his apostles curious. Why did he choose them in the first place? A cynic might think he could have done better blindfolded. The account of Jesus’ selection of his apostles as related in the ...
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Kids praying | Photo by Carlos Magno on Unsplash

Franciscan Inspirations: The Power of Novenas

The Latin word novena means “nine.” Novenas are a form of prayer in which a person, individually or with a group, prays for some special intention for nine days.
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man looking at a valley | Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

Franciscan Inspirations: God Doesn’t Punish

It is common for religious people to attribute natural disasters as a punishment by God for sins. If that’s true, then God’s aim is off target because it’s usually the innocent who suffer rather than the guilty.
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On the Feast of Stephen: A Meditation from Pope Francis

December 26: Violence is Conquered by Love http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122616.cfm Readings: Acts 6:8–10; 7:54–59; Matthew 10:17–22
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