Love My Enemies. For Real?

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by Br. Michael, ofm

“Love your enemies.” – Luke 6.27

Really Jesus?

Love my enemies?

Love those who are my adversaries and foes?

You must have known that it is much easier to love a friend.

Love my enemies?

They must not have heard you well on the day you said that.

 

Yet when you invite me to love my enemies, you invite me not to judge and not to dictate my moral stance, rather you invite me to be merciful and love even with a small glimpse of your divine love. This is not easy to do, for it challenges me first to reflect on my own living and shortcomings, realizing that I am not God. It means that at times I must see that I am my own worst enemy failing to love well because I defend my enemy lines. Lines that I create and take a hard stance on claiming they are of you and for you. Yet you show me they are not, and you ask me to surrender my false judgments of myself so that I don’t project defending and guarding all that is mine onto others and cause them to build up their enemy lines. Instead, you ask me to be compassionate, kind, and merciful even if it is not returned for you promise me that, “your reward will be great in heaven” (Luke 6.23). This is not easy to do, for I want instant results and proof, but your love is deeper, wider, broader (Ephesians 3.18), and better than instant anything the world offers.

 

In a world obsessed with drawing lines, defining who belongs and who doesn’t, who our enemies are, and what they want from us, you invite me to a true way of being. You invite me to be a blessing of mercy and show forth the depth and gentleness of your generous love. Something our world struggles with because we struggle with power instead of outdoing one another with love, compassion, gentleness, and mercy (Romans 12.9-18). Jesus, I know I must rise above the noise for you speak the truth for the way which leads to life.

 

God of both friends and enemies,

help me to love like you

with mercy beyond knowing,

with compassion which

tears down enemy lines,

builds community

and restores relationships.

Help me also to see

the enemy lines

which must be torn down

within my own life

and fill me with your courage

to do so.

Amen.

 

 

Photo Credits: Andre Hunter, Jon Tyson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

Lent 2022

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Lent 2022 

Mount St. Francis Retreat

41160 Retreat Road, Cochrane

 

Day Away – Living a Resurrected Life

March 9 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Registration at 8:30 am with Coffee and Muffins.

Day includes presentation, quiet reflection, Eucharist, noon meal and prayer.

 

Twilight Retreat – After the Winter Slumber

March 22 – 6:00 pm

Registration at 6:00 pm, Supper at 6:30 pm

Evening includes a guided reflection, time for quiet, and prayer.

 

Day Away – Life-Giving Spirit

April 6 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Registration at 8:30 am with Coffee and Muffins.

Day includes presentation, quiet reflection, Eucharist, noon meal and prayer.

 

Holy Week Retreat: Charity of the Cross –

A Woman’s Mercy, A Man’s Help: The Call of the Cross

April 13 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm   or   6:30 – 9:00 pm

 Guided by St. Francis and St. Clare’s love of the cross this Holy Week Retreat

provides the opportunity to enter into the Paschal Triduum with hope.

Retreat includes a guided reflection, time to walk the Way of the Cross,

Twilight Retreat begins with 5:30 pm Registration with time for quiet until supper.

$30/retreat

                             

To register: 403-932-2012 / mtfrancis@shaw.ca

Monday-Friday 9 am – 4:30 pm

www.mountstfrancis.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

Blessed Are You

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                 – Br. Michael, ofm

“Blessed are you” in the gospels seems to be a way of saying,

“Be filled with hope.”

 

This current trying situation you are in will pass – be filled with hope!

This time of uncertainty consuming you will end – be filled with hope!

This hurt that is inflicted on you will not linger forever – be filled with hope!

The request to change your life is possible – be filled with hope!

 

To be filled with hope reminds us to turn our attention to Jesus. We must let go of our self-focus. We must keep our gaze on him who endured and transformed situations, uncertainties, hurts, and the human condition by filling them with hope and turning them into a blessing.

 

“Blessed are you…” is again an invitation to surrender and to trust that indeed “anything is possible with God.”

“Blessed are you…” is again an invitation to exult in the gift of the “kingdom life” offered to us.

“Blessed are you…” is again an invitation to be filled, for there is an abundance of mercy and hope in every day.

“Blessed are you…” let us rejoice as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus with the hope of the “great reward of heaven.”

 

We are blessed

God overflows goodness in our life.

We trust

God is at work in us.

We rejoice

God is always with us.

We yearn for the kingdom

God keeps promises with us.

We are filled

God is always generous with us.

We are blessed

God renews us with hope.

Amen.

 

Photo Credits: Alex Shute and Carly Hunley, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

Into the Deep

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                 – Br. Michael, ofm

Inspired by Luke 5.1-11 and Simon Peter.

Put out into the deep,

Jesus, you ask me to trust.

Put out into the deep,

Jesus, you call me to respond.

Put out into the deep,

Jesus, you encourage me from the familiar.

 

I am amazed, Jesus,

at what my life produces.

I am amazed, Jesus,

at the bounty in my life.

I am amazed, Jesus,

at the places where I’m sent.

 

Jesus, I fall down at your knees

knowing I am sinful.

Jesus, I fall down at your knees

knowing your mercy is great.

Jesus, I fall down at your knees

knowing you see things differently.

 

Do not be afraid, you say,

so, I slowly let go of control.

Do not be afraid, you say,

so, I trust, surrendering my all.

Do not be afraid, you say,

so, I choose to follow you.

 

Put out into the deep,

I trust my life offers a bountiful catch.

Put out into the deep,

I know the support of others.

Put out into the deep,

I can only do so with you, Lord.

 

Photo Credit: Touann Gatouillat Vergos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

Known Consecrated Appointed

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                 – Br. Michael, ofm

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born, I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

– Jeremiah 1.4-5

The great sense of being known, being held in love, being desired is something we all seek as a sense of this approval and acceptance. We seek it in relationships, in our work and in our living. We sometimes seek it in false places and in ways as our hearts yearn to be known and seen and valued. Our world is not an easy place to encounter true validation for it wants to validate us based on gain for its purposes and false fronts.

Our God on the other hand knows us intimately and although that may make us squirm a bit, this is a truth which is the true freedom of being known, consecrated and appointed. No need to masquerade behind tasks done, goals reached or images projected. God sees beyond all of this and knows who we are – our truest self – and how we are woven together with the very DNA of God. God knows us for God has formed us in the womb; we are flesh of flesh and bone of bone; we are heart of heart and soul of soul. God is infused into us. At times this may feel unknown or obscured. At other times it may be obvious and still at other times we may doubt. No matter the journey or the time, no matter how much we have been seeking or doubting, it is with deep love and mercy that our God always knows each one of us.

God consecrates us because God is love. This consecration is declaring that we are valid, beloved, holy, appointed and worthy simply because of who we are in belonging to God. Our consecration is a declaration of our dignity, the gifts we possess, the breath we breathe and the light we shine because we are of God.

Consecration can seem as a setting apart from. We should rather view it as a being connected to something greater. We are connected to the very Source of life and the love, mercy and graces that flow from this Source into who we are is our call to holiness. Our consecration is God declaring, “you are good, very good.” It is God claiming us again and again. It is God wiping our away sins and missteps. It is God appointing us as prophets, maybe not in the likes of Jeremiah or Isaiah, but rather in the way that each of us carry an important message of good news, because we are known.

 

God,

you speak my name

it echoes in the depths of who I am

because you know me.

You speak my name

with dignity, worth and holiness

because I am consecrated.

You speak my name

filling me with light and goodness

because in you I come to know who I am.

I praise you for this wonder

as I carry your message

into my living and being.

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Eyasu Etsub

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

Filled with Holy Spirit 

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                 – Br. Michael, ofm

 

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ – Luke 4.14-21

Jesus, the Anointed One

brings us good news

in the little ways of life,

in his word penetrating our living,

in our connections with one another.

 

Jesus, the Chain Breaker

proclaims release to us

declaring our sins are forgiven,

embracing us with dignity

honoring our worthiness.

 

Jesus, the Sight Giver

opens our eyes

to hope each day,

to the power of love,

to discover his beauty.

 

Jesus, the Freedom Architect

releases us from what is oppressive

with his endless mercy,

with his gentle peace,

with his life, death and resurrection.

 

Jesus, the Celebrating One

proclaims God’s favour in our lives

each day,

in all ways,

with much delight.

 

The Spirit of the Lord was indeed upon Jesus

and he has infused this Spirit in our living

calling us beloved,

showing us authentic living,

guiding us in relationship with God.

 

The power of the Spirit indeed filled Jesus

and is filling each of us;

let us be attentive to the promptings,

allowing holy wisdom to speak

so that in turn we move and act with the Spirit.

 

Jesus,

“filled with the power of the Holy Spirit”

help us to see that we too are filled with your Spirit

for we are vessels of you

bearing good news,

living freely in you,

seeing with clear vision,

releasing our burdens,

proclaiming your goodness and mercy

all the days of our life.

Amen.

Photo Credit: Hasan Almasi

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

Day Retreats in February

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Tuesday, February 1

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Healing, Wholeness and Hope

International Day of Human Fraternity

A day of reflection, sharing and prayer.

 

 

Wednesday, February 9

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Day Away:

As the Father Has Sent Me So I Send You

A day set aside for reflection and prayer.

 

 

Saturday, February 12

8:30 am – 3:00 pm

A Day Away with One You Love

Spend a retreat day together.

Check our listing on website.

Limited spots available.

call 403-932-2012 or email mtfrancis@shaw.ca to register

             

 

 

 

Marvellous Works

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                              – Br. Michael, ofm

 

The New Year has quickly taken off. We may still be relishing in the days of cheer of Christmas past. We may be stumbling through how to move forward with goals or resolutions. We may be stuck in a snow drift of uncertainty. We may be sailing along and embracing each day. Regardless of where we are at this midpoint of the first month of 2022 God continues to be present and God’s message of hope and love remains.

 

Psalm 96 says: “Declare the marvellous works of the Lord among the peoples.”

Have we taken the time to declare the marvellous works of this past week? Maybe it was a sunset, a connection with a friend, a delicious cup of tea, a kind neighbour, laughter shared or maybe it was a transformed heart or a fresh insight. No matter what it was, the marvellous works of God seem to come in small ways so that we can take in and begin to comprehend how marvellous God’s love truly is.

 

Each day marvellous works of the Lord take place. Pausing at the end of the day to recall which one touched us is a practice we can carry into the weeks that will become the rest of 2022. It will only encourage our connection with God and will loosen our tongues to declare the many marvellous works of the Lord even if only to ourselves. It will indeed increase our gratitude quota for the year. God delights over us so very much and so often we allow this delight to slip by us; maybe unaware, maybe too busy, or maybe not open to it, regardless, God continues to delight.

 

The prophet Isaiah says, “You shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give… you shall be a crown of beauty… a royal diadem… you shall be called My Delight… for the Lord delights in you… God rejoices over you” (62.1-5). Is this alone not enough to declare as marvellous? Is this not the gift given to us each day? Our God madly in love with us, calling us to life, calling us to let go of the destructive ways and the lures of the world. Our God declaring the marvellous works of creation, the creation of us as delightful, beautiful, royal and worth rejoicing over. In other words, Beloved. Called by a new name: Beloved. Rejoicing over us because we are beloved.

 

Nothing can beat the marvellous goodness of God’s love and the hope it instills in us. We must keep our eyes fixed on our God and the One whom God sent to us. The One who lifts us up in his marvellous love and redeems us and declares the delight and belovedness which is inherently ours from the beginning of time. Our God and our Savior gift us with the Spirit who activates in us gifts – a variety of gifts which we are reminded of in the first letter to the Corinthians. These gifts are expressed and shared uniquely by each one of us, manifesting the goodness of God and the goodness of each other, which in turn causes even more declaring of the marvellous works of our God. God’s glory and love and delight is revealed in our lives. As Saint Irenaeus said: “The glory of God is the person fully alive, but the life of humanity is the vision of God.” Again, a reminder that we are beloved. In little ways God’s glory is revealed and this is grace upon for grace for us. Let us not lose sight of this as we continue the journey of 2022.

 

God of the Journey,

you delight in us,

call us beloved

and walk with us all the days of our life.

As we continue to walk into 2022

may our hearts be awakened

to your marvellous works

which are present each day

in both the grand and in the small.

May we continue to share our gifts

so that goodness may abound

for all people.

May we continue to fix our eyes

on you and the glory of your life

in this journey.

Amen.

Photos: MJP

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice in it and be glad.

For to us is given the beloved child most holy,

born for us along the way

and placed in a manger

because there was no room for him at the inn.

– Psalm 15, Psalms of St. Francis

 

 

The Friars and Staff

at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre

send greetings of peace and good to all.

May Christmas 2021 be filled with joy

and may many blessings be yours in 2022!

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Advent Hastening

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Br. Michael Perras, OFM

As we move into these final days of Advent, we turn our attention to Elizabeth and Zechariah, to Mary and Joseph and to their stories. Each of them offers us an insight into our journey of faith and our relationships with others.

Elizabeth reminds us to be bearers of promise. Zechariah calls us to listen well. Mary calls us to ponder. Joseph reminds us to be courageous. All four remind us to trust and to not let fear over take us. As companions on the journey, they also invite us to live with the conviction of a life rooted in Emmanuel – our God with us. Our God who has come to us and dwells here among all people, restoring us (Psalm 80) and filling us with peace (Micah 5.5a).

“Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country…” (Luke 1.39). As she went, she must have pondered what had been told to her, for her and of her. She must have considered Elizabeth and Zechariah and how they were adjusting to unforeseen circumstances. She must have thought of Joseph and all that was going on in his heart and story. She must have contemplated her people and their desire for the long awaited Messiah. She must have pondered how the Messiah was close at hand, so close, hidden in plain sight.

These final days of Advent can often disappear and become a blur. Let us take a cue from Mary and ponder. Let us ponder the journey of the year that has been and reflect upon where we have hastened to and where we have avoided hastening. May this pondering awaken in us to where our steps need to hasten to this Christmas and in the coming year.

 

In a year which has seen the unsettling of our so-called collective past

where have we hastened to build bridges?

 

In a year which has seen even more environmental crises

how have we hastened to honor and protect Mother Earth?

 

In a year which has seen tensions rise between nations

how have we hastened to be a voice of peace?

 

In a year which has seen innocent people die because of ignorance

where have we hastened to be an advocate for justice?

 

In a year which has seen families and communities divided

where have we hastened to listen well and heal wounds?

 

In a year which has seen the need for truth and reconciliation to be honest

where have we hastened to rise up to this work?

 

In a year which has seen more fake news

where have we hastened to speak the truth?

 

In a year which has seen attacks on humanity from all walks of life

where have we hastened to be witnesses of human fraternity?

 

In a year which has seen… … …

where have we hastened to… … …?

 

In a year, in a month, in a day which has seen so much,

where have we hastened to Christ?

 

 

 

God of the Journey,

you are with us in our steps

no matter how quickly

or how slowly we hasten.

 

Remind us that you dwell here

in us and among us.

Stir up in us the hope and love

which is infused into our very core,

so that in turn we may hasten

to that one place which needs

your presence in this last Advent week,

this late December day, this very moment.

 

Amen.

 

Photo Credits: Arūnas Naujokas and Priscilla Du Preez