Lent with St. Franciso: Blessed are the poor in spirit

During this Lenten series, we will focus on the Beatitudes, especially those that were demonstrated in the life and virtue of St. Francisco. You can listen to the reflection in our video blog or read it below.

Beatitudes are an expression of extreme blessedness. In the first beatitude, Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3).

To be “poor in spirit” means that one is fully aware of the sinful nature of their human condition and that all they possess, including their achievements, come from God.

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches…Apart from me, you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).

It does not matter if you live in poverty or wealth, if you are poor in spirit, you are dependent on God for everything and aware that it is His Spirit that sustains and renews you.

St. Francisco was blessed with this beatitude.

Despite his material poverty, he remained humble before God seeking only His will. He avoided fame or glory for himself, even when he saw the Blessed Mother, making him one of the most sought-after persons in Fatima.

This allowed him to accept so graciously that he could not hear Our Lady during the apparitions. He was happy instead to be able to gaze upon her beauty and get lost in the light that emanated from her.

He surrendered to what Mary asked of him – “to say many rosaries” and to accept suffering – which led him to surrender more deeply to the “hidden Jesus” in the tabernacle, where he became a contemplative soul.

Francisco did not seek to be anything great on earth, yet he achieved such great spiritual heights.

He attained this by being “poor in spirit” and the kingdom of heaven is now his.

The Beatitudes are the words of Christ that cut to the very core of the Christian life. But have they become so familiar that we breeze past them, without taking them to heart? The Beatitudes can — and will — transform our lives in a powerful way, if we take the time to connect with them daily. Purchase “The Beatitudes” by Kathleen Basi in our gift shop. $4.95.

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Extra, Extra! Read All About It – In More Ways Than One

November 21, 2024 No Comments

Times change. The institutions that seemed to be enduring without extinction are, in fact, showing a new face. The free press is a necessary piece of the social political structure in a democratic representative society. Newspapers and broadcast news were traditionally the trusted sources of information, and a window to the events of the world. Everything evolves, and as change can be unnerving to some, it must be looked at as inevitable and, in some cases, exciting. I remember the big three networks as the only source of major broadcast news, with a few local channels in large cities. Cable TV and talk radio began the downward spiral of influence for these legacy institutions. The introduction of the news channels with their 24-hour cycle brought constant coverage which also led to fatigue.

Saint Faustina: The Apostle of Purgatory

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St. Maria Faustina, through her devotions, meditations and prayers, allowed numerous holy souls in purgatory to reach heaven. Her conversations with Our Lord and Our Lady as recorded in her diary, including her own beautiful prayers and, of course, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, show this important work of mercy – praying for the dying souls and those in purgatory.

Peace is Found in Unity – Which Comes from God

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The Rule of God and the God of Rulers

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Pray, Hope and Sleep Peacefully in the Arms of God

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We were sitting having dinner the other evening. Outside on the deck on a patio chair was one of our neighborhood cats. She was curled up, peacefully asleep, unaware of the turmoil that defines our present day. I commented to my wife that this reminds me of the Scripture passage when Our Lord states:

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one hour to his life?” (Mt 6:26)