Ever wonder about how the Halloween holiday began? Greg Friedman, OFM, explains the Christian background to this popular secular observance.
Franciscan E-spirations
Friar Jack on Christian/Muslim Dialogue
As a Franciscan and a Christian, I feel uneasy about the violent conflicts in the Middle East, Europe, and on our soil.
Saint Francis and the Birds
We often associate Saint Francis of Assisi with birds. There are 13th-century stories of Francis preaching to birds in trees.
Who Wrote the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis?
Saint Francis' Peace Prayer provides rich material for spiritual reflection.
Friar’s E-Spirations: A Grain of Sand
Several months ago, I wrote a column entitled “Just a moment, please.” In it I spoke of the unbelievable significance a single moment can have in our lives: Mary’s “fiat” when God asked her to become the mother of the word of God. At that moment, the entire direction of
Friar’s E-Spirations: Our Christian Creeds:
They’re Really Documents of Love
A few years ago, I began reflecting upon the Apostles' Creed from the viewpoint of God’s overflowing love. Everything God, our heavenly Creator, has done for us has been done out of love. And this is especially true as revealed to us through God the Son—through the life, death and
Friar’s E-Spirations: The Canticle of Brother Sun: All Creatures = One Family
As a Franciscan friar for over 50 years, I am very familiar with the stories of St. Francis of Assisi and animals. Many of you no doubt are familiar with the story of this brown-robed friar preaching to the birds. Or maybe that of his releasing Brother Rabbit from a
Friar’s E-Spirations: The Red Wheelbarrow: An Image to Contemplate
A brief and simple poem by William Carlos Williams (1883-1963), gives us an unusual image to delight in. In my previous E-spiration (January 26, 2011), I offered several short Scripture passages for readers to ponder or contemplate. In a similar way, I offer here, for your heart’s enjoyment and contemplation, "The
Friar’s E-Spirations: The Virtue of Respect
Sometimes words are used so often they lose their meaning. In our society, “respect” is one of those words. It seems everyone wants and demands respect. Woody Allen, in one of his movies, describes a man with these words: “This man is an utter fake, is lazy, stubborn and not
Friar’s E-Spirations: The Power of Relationships
The relationship between us and God is something far beyond our comprehension. Yet, because we are made in the image and likeness of God, somehow God has given us a hint of what that relationship means. He made us so that we could experience our own human relationships. In fact, we can’t
More from Franciscan Media
