By Bret Thoman OSF St. Francis was a man of penance. He embraced radical penitential practices and subjected himself to severe disciplines (2 Celano, 97). He often called his body “Brother Ass” (i.e. donkey). He wrote in his letter to the Faithful: “All those who love the Lord with their whole heart … and [...]
The Story of Our Salvation
What do we celebrate at Christmas? Why did Jesus come? If Adam and Eve had not sinned, would Jesus still have come? What is the meaning of ‘salvation’? Allow me to tell you a story – A true story – a story that has taken thousands of years to be told, a story that began [...]
A Deeper Understanding of Obedience
In a world that values independence and personal determination, obedience has become an unfashionable word. We want to make decisions about our own lives. Even children do not like to be told what to do. Newspaper reports of ‘Obedient Wives’ Clubs’ draw disbelief and ridicule. Yet, when Franciscans vow to live the Gospel Life, it [...]