As Franciscans, deeply committed to peace, we are appalled by the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, grieve for the victims of the ongoing attacks, stand with those in Ukraine, Russia, and beyond who oppose this war, and pray for all concerned. Ми, служителі Ордену францисканців, завжди щиро прихільного ідеям миру,…
Today’s reading (O.T and Gospel) had a common message, there is good news. In our world at this time there is a need to hear that there is some good news. When I was 6 years old I was in the annual Christmas play, like so many of you all.…
Dear Siblings, In today’s Advent reflection, I go back to Br. Bruce James’ reflection from last week, his concerns and depression over the violent and dark turn our country has taken. (Not just our country…just saying…) His reflection butts up well against today’s Gospel reading for Catholics: Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36, which talks…
Another season in the life of the Church is upon us. We the members of the OEF council have each committed to sharing a personal reflection on Advent with all y’all. Do with them as you are led. Here’s the first of five: Some years ago, Sr. Shoshanah and I…
“Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God.” (Baruch 5:1) I grew up being taught to fear the judgment of God – no, fear is not the right word. We were meant to be terrified. The…
Dear siblings, and all friends of our little Order of Ecumenical Franciscans, There is joy in remembering how we have been called together, to celebrate the Divine presence and grace in everything, and to follow the Poor Christ in lives of mutual care and accountability. For many of us, this…
Principle #13 of The Order of Ecumenical Franciscans We shall respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which “bear the imprint of the Most High; “and we shall strive to move from the temptation of exploiting Creation toward the Franciscan concept of universal kinship. As Francis taught us to look for…
One of the things that I have done during the long months of the pandemic restrictions has been to occupy some time each day working on puzzles through an app called Jigsaw. Truly, there are multitudes of such puzzles available online for a very minimal fee ( some are even…
In my daily prayer times, I’ve been trying to reflect on the Gospel readings each week, paying special attention to what they might say about the topic of community and caring for one another. This week’s Gospel is from John 12:20-33, including these verses: “The hour has come for the…
Waiting. Waiting is not always an easy thing to do. Waiting can be hard. Both seasons of Advent and Lent are about waiting. This season of waiting seems stuck on pause as in, are we not still in Lent 2020. And Advent seems to still be with us as well.…