Seeing Together

For various reasons, it's been months since I last posted on this blog. One of the reasons, now that I look back, is that I have been preoccupied with other things. I'm sure you know what it's like to slip away or out of a discipline because of the demands (real or perceived) of daily life.

Perhaps it is appropriate, then, that we intentionally consider a way to organize and mobilize as we look forward to mission and ministry in the months and years ahead.

Beginning tomorrow morning at 8:45 and over the next four weeks during the Sunday morning Faith Formation class, I will lead us in an exploration and discussion of these six topics. The goal is for each of us to know and inwardly digest these six words and be able to use them as a guide - a tool - in evaluating our direction and discipline. Please take the time to join in this series of classes over the next four weeks so that we can see together grow in our commitment to Christ and the life of mission to which we are called.

Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, died 1226

Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching "using words if necessary." Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God's creation.

A prayer attributed to Francis of Assisi

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is discord, union;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.