Minute Meditations

Man looking at the sky | Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash

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 …

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Woman looking at the sunrise | Photo by Brittani Burns on Unsplash

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 …

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Woman seeing | Photo by Marina Vitale on Unsplash

Learning to See

“Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him’” (John 9:3). Just as spiritual blindness can be far more devastating than the loss of physical sight, so …

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People lighting candles | Photo by Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez on Unsplash

Holy Humility

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt” (Luke 18:9). Humility is one of the most enduring characteristics of Francis’s life and attitudes. It’s the foundation of his …

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man with arms outstretched | Photo by Xan Griffin on Unsplash

Perfect Joy

“Which commandment is the first of all?” (Mark 12 :28). One of the best stories about St. Francis is his explanation to Brother Leo about “perfect joy.” “When we come to St. Mary of the Angels, soaked by the rain and …

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tau cross

Nothing to Defend

“Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house” (Luke 11:17) At the time of Francis, Italy was not a united nation, but numerous city-states, each with its own ruler and militia. Francis was well-acquainted with constantly …

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Woman crossing her heart | Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

Cultivate a Peaceful Heart

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Francis holds his followers to the highest standards of the Gospel. Like the great St. …

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