In the Face of Distressing Times
March 26, 2023
Sister Death
“Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life’” (John 11:24–25) Death always startles us with its suddenness, its finality. …
Reinventing Ourselves
“But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he?’” (John 7:40). We know that, although he spent much time in Assisi, Francis and his companions also traveled around the country a bit. On a few occasions …
The Kingdom Is Right Here
“You know me, and you know where I am from” (John 7:28). Jesus is responding to some of the Jews saying that “When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.” This becomes an issue again and again …
How Do Others See Us?
“How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God?” (John 5:44). Francis was concerned with the impression that he made on those around …
The Virtue of Work
“My Father is still working, and I also am working” (John 5:170). Francis not only encouraged his brothers to work; he preferred that they be about manual labor—concrete, physical actions that could be clearly seen and rightly interpreted. His Rule …
Do We Like Complaining?
“I have no one to put me into the pool” (John 5:6). Today’s Gospel tells us that the man by the pool of Bethesda has been ill for thirty-eight years. He sounds a bit querulous as he lies there waiting …
Signs and Wonders
“Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe” (John 4:48). Francis strenuously denied the suggestions that he was a saint. He kept hidden the marks of the stigmata. He refused to let people attribute miracles to him. He …