Christmas Greetings 2020

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– Br. Michael, ofm

 

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 you find moments of peace and joy

during Christmas 2020

and may much goodness be yours in 2021!

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

The Peace of Bethlehem:

Through all the days of Christmas

and all the years to be,

may He Who came to Bethlehem

give peace to you and me.

– Brian O’Higgins

 

 

 

 

 

Advent IV: Love Propels Us Forward

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– Br. Michael, ofm

A few years ago, a young friend of mine gave me a card during Advent. He had drawn it himself. On it were three mountains and bannering across the top in bold childhood writing was the word LOVE. That simple card triggered for me a reality check about how I was using the word love and how I was not. It also promoted me to make the word Love a more evident part of my prayers and reflections for the coming year. I had found that our culture uses love for everything from cars to pizza to sweaters to family and I was caught up in that. With our limitations on the word love we often fail to express ourselves well and this simple card awoke that in me.

That card crosses my mind again as we move into this final week of Advent and the coming feast of Christmas. The image of the mountains on that card remind me again that God’s love is present on our mountain peaks and also in our valley depths because no matter what we face or endure our hearts can “forever… sing of your steadfast love, O Lord” (Psalm 89). Love on our mountain peaks is easy to describe it is the family at table, the good news we are told and the celebrations of life. However, to sing and live out the steadfast love is not always easy yet our God is with us. When we endure a health crisis, live in a pandemic or stand at the edge of a grave it is hard to think of love bannering over us. When we flee a war-torn country, face the ugly reality of racism or defend the dignity of another it may be hard to think of love bannering over us. Yet it is in these dark valley moments that the banner drops and wraps itself around us with hope, courage and strength. Our hearts are softened as this love settles in and we again align with God’s love, which no matter the mountain top or valley depth is declaring goodness, offering comfort and encouraging us to live well.

 

Mary had to trust that love was in the message of the angel, she had to trust that love would win over Joseph’s worries, she had to trust that love would guide her as she freely declared “Here am I, the servant of the Lord” (Luke 1.38) This was trusting in the goodness, comfort, encouragement and strength of love. As we journey into these final days of Advent, amongst the chaos, uncertainties and this pandemic can we allow love to banner over us and be the road we walk to Bethlehem? Can we trust that love is the road of our heart leading to the crib of Christ? Can we with Mary trust that love is real and not some simple illusion or fix that commercials try and sell us? Can we with Mary say “here I am, I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord?”

 

Week Four of Advent is known as the Week of Love. May this final week of Advent awaken us to the truth of love. Where do you need to incorporate love into your daily living in these days ahead? Let that love be your guide to break through the demands of the week. The days are few, the weariness may seem overpowering but hope remains, peace breathes in us and joy lights the flame of our heart. May we walk boldly in love during these final days of Advent, in the coming season of Christmas and into 2021.

BE BORN IN ME

With an earnest heart

and childlike hope

be born in me I pray.

Be born in me I pray

your love made known

in my words and ways.

Seeking true light

kindled in me

be born in me I pray

 

Be born in me I pray

your very heart

made known each day.

Humility and openness

are the vessels I offer

be born in me I pray

 

Be born in me I pray

Christ Child you are welcome

each and every day.

 

Artwork: Claire Ziprick

Photo: Josiah Weiss

 

 

Advent Finale: O Antiphons

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– Br. Michael, ofm

December 17-23 marks the Advent days of the O Antiphons. These Antiphons make up the verses of the Advent Carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” These Antiphons have been observed since the eighth century and are drawn from the ancient biblical images of the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. They repeatedly use the invitation “come” as a way to address the longing of the coming Messiah. Each of the seven days offers a title for the Savior (the first line of each antiphon).

Reflecting on these titles and inviting Christ to come into our heart each day, we offer these short reflections for the remaining days of Advent. We invite you into some moments of quiet in the days ahead. There is a brief reflection and questions for each Antiphon (the first stanza is the antiphon proper), there is also original artwork for you to enter into some moments of Visio Divina. Visio Divina means “sacred seeing” where we allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into the holy image and then in silence see what God is saying to us or inviting us to see. The ancient Latin title has been included for each of the days.

December 17 – O Sapientia

O Wisdom of our God Most High,

guiding creation with power and love:

come to teach us knowledge!

Yes, O Creative Wisdom, you stir in me new life

guiding me in your love, I trust you are walking with me.

Who has been a guide for me during 2020?

Where has God’s wisdom stirred my heart this year?

How is Divine Love inviting me into 2021?

December 18 – O Adonai

O Leader of the House of Israel,

giver of the Law of Moses on Sinai,

come to rescue us with your mighty power!

Yes, O Mighty Power, you draw near to me

for your power is in the intimacy of relationship which is the law of love.

Where have I seen God’s power in my life this past year?

Who helps me to see the intimacy of God’s love?

What needs rescuing in my life?

December 19 – O Radix Jesse

O Root of Jesse’s stem,

sign of God’s love for all people:

come to save us without delay!

Yes, Lover of All,

you remind me I have a story and history which is woven into yours

and connects me to creation and humanity.

What specific story in my life and in the world has reminded me about the connections of humanity this past year?

How am I nurturing the roots and branches of my faith?

Who do I need to express gratitude to, with our delay, for their story woven into my own?

December 20 – O Clavis David

O Key of David,

opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:

come and free the prisoners of darkness!

Yes, O Great Gate Opener, you invite me into your kingdom

here and now as you encourage me to build with the gifts which are mine.

This past year has seen a lot of division, what do I need to do in my part of the world to help make all people one?

Who always offers me a warm invitation to be present and to share my gifts?

How will I open the gate to my heart in 2021?

 

O Radiant Dawn,

splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:

come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death!

Yes, O Light of Lights, you enlighten my heart and mind

with the depth of your life and love: born, died, and risen for me.

What darkness do I need to let go of as 2020 comes to an end?

Who offers me light for my daily living?

How do I shine God’s love into our broken world?

December 22 – O Rex Gentium

O King of all nations

and keystone of the Church:

come and save humanity,

whom you formed from the dust!

Yes, O Generous Creator,

you who form all in your generosity, transform me and raise me up

for I can not do this on my own.

What is my connection with creation and in being generative?

Who encourages me when I am lost in selfishness?

How do I feel about surrendering into God even more in 2021?

December 23 – O Emmanuel

O Emmanuel,

our King, and Giver of Law:

come to save us, Lord our God.

Yes, O God With Us, you are here and now,

you proudly call me one of your own

and guide me in your ways of love.

Who has shown God With Us to me this past year?

How does it feel to be aware of God’s love for me?

What am I being called to birth in the new year?

God O Life,

come to us

in these final days of Advent,

show us your light,

lead us in your ways

of hope, peace, joy and love,

so, as we enter into the

great feast of Christmas

we may carry these gifts

to our family, community and world

as you restore our awareness

that they always reside at our core.

 

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

Amen.

Artwork: Claire Ziprick

 

 

Advent III: Even Now – Rejoicing

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– Br. Michael, ofm

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” is the line from Philippians 4 which echoes in my ears over and over again. Rejoice always – even in all of this? Even in all that is going on? Even in restrictions and limitations forcing me not to enjoy some of the things I like best about this season? The answer “yes” is whispered in my ears; even in all of this and then some moments flood my heart.

A fresh snowfall and the beauty it offers. I rejoice in the gift of creation.

A request from a child for a snow angel to be made and I oblige. I rejoice in the gift of childhood delight.

A child’s prayer for our hearts to be softened for each other. I rejoice in the gift of prayer.

A birth of a healthy baby. I rejoice in the gift of life.

A brilliant prairie sunset filling the sky with warmth. I rejoice in the gift of the day.

A set of twinkling Christmas lights which I stop to enjoy. I rejoice in the gift of stillness.

I wonder if in these moments God is not offering reminders to be awakened again to simple joys, to rejoice in the many gifts all around and to evaluate the false joys which raid us of true rejoicing? A wise friend of mine recently declared: “Joy is an unexpected happening that brings me closer to health and wholeness. It is a gift.” How true, snowfall, snow angels, prayer, Christmas lights and so on are just some of the unexpected happenings which should stir our hearts. Where is joy touching our lives each day? Do we rejoice in these joys or do we simply brush them aside for later?

“Joy is the fruit of trust,” a retreat director shared. Trust requires a lot of courage and at the same time a surrendering. Trust allows us to see beyond our “if only” or “even in this” to the heart of life and the awareness of the “spirit of the Lord God” (Isaiah 61) upon us. We can see joy as this fruit in the lives of Elizabeth, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph. They did not “quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5) rather took courage in this trust, surrendering their all and in turn joy filled their lives and sustained them even the moments of “all of this”, restrictions, and things being taken from them. The spirit of the Lord was indeed upon these Advent heroes and it is also upon us. Each day we are called to trust, we are called to surrender, we are called to wholeness and we are called to rejoice in the gifts given to us. In doing so we in turn help to bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim liberty to captives and rejoice in the Lord’s favor (Isaiah 61); maybe even more so in all of this.

Can we trust enough so that the fruit of joy will penetrate our living in the days of this Week of Advent Joy? What is God awakening in you this week that is causing your heart to rejoice? Yes even in all of this.

Week Three of Advent is known as the Week of Joy. May this third week of Advent awaken us to true joy. Where do you need to incorporate joy into your daily living in these days ahead? Let that joy be your guide to break through the demands of the week.

O come, O come, Emmanuel

enter into my daily life,

walk with me; awakening me to you.

O come, O come, Emmanuel

help me see you in the now

guiding me and calling out to me.

O come, O come, Emmanuel

for you are my strength,

in peace you are my joy and hope.

O come, O come, Emmanuel

let the graces of your love settle in deep

extending to me the gift of you here.

O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Artwork: Claire Ziprick

Sunset Photo: Connie Baumgartner

 

Advent II: Breathing In Peace

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– Br. Michael, ofm

Advent hues of purple, pink, magenta and blue fill the morning sky. As the moon set sends fading shimmers of brilliant light upon the land, these soft Advent colors emerge in the East as dawn begins to break. I pause. I breathe in, “Is this Advent peace?” I ask myself. I may be the only one noticing this moment in this way. My day ahead may be chaotic or not turn out as planned, but in this moment… right now… peace… fills me. Psalm 85 is the psalm for this Second Sunday of Advent and it seems to capture this moment of peace. The refrain declares “Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us salvation.” Then hidden in the verses this gentle line, “The Lord will speak peace to his people.” Yes, this brief moment of pausing in the dawning light is a reminder of God’s steadfast love which penetrates my very living and, in this love, I hear God’s peace spoken for me.

Advent peace is assurance of love in this demanding world. Advent peace is the gift of each breath; we simply need to pay attention. Advent peace is our heart and breath aligning with the promise of Emmanuel – God with us – always.

This season can easily rob us of peace with demands, false expectations, Hallmark perfection, binge distracting and this year with restrictions and social distancing. Yet, Advent peace is strong, it is resilient, it is braver than demands, binges or restrictions. It works its way through our cover ups and whispers to us: “look up, look beyond, look within.” When we listen to the whisper Advent peace offers a sunrise painted in gentle hues as we look up. Advent peace offers an invitation to let go, to forgive, to begin again as we look beyond. Advent peace offers us strength, resilience and bravery to face the daily challenges as we look within (God dwells this close).

Advent peace is a gift, breathe it in, now, in this very moment. Pause. Stop. Just be. Our days are full and our hours filled with noise. Pause. Turn it all off. Either in the morning hours or as the sunsets step outside – no cellphone, no cup of coffee in hand, just you (in a jacket and with mitts of course) and God (in all glory and goodness) … just be… breathe in peace. Pause. Say nothing. Do nothing. Just be, let God’s peace speak to your heart. As you inhale, breathe in the promise of Emmanuel – God with us. As you exhale, breathe out the peace of God which is filling you again and again. As we go forth into this Advent week, peace be in our breath, peace be in our bones, peace be in our doing and being.

Week Two of Advent is known as the Week of Peace. May this second week of Advent awaken us to peace. Where do you need to incorporate Peace into your daily living these days ahead? Let that peace be your guide breaking through the distractions of the week.

         

 

 

Welcome sustaining hope

you are always here

and yet in this season

you are again so near.

 

Welcome transforming peace

you gently encircle my aching heart

again, in this season

awakening me to do my part.

 

Welcome deep, profound joy

you stir my old ways to new life

in this season

loosening my bonds of strife.

 

Welcome everlasting love

you fill my day and comfort my night

may this season

see me embrace the gift of light.

 

Artwork: Claire Ziprick

Photo: Yannis Papanastasopoulos

Advent: We Walk in Hope

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– Br. Michael, ofm

As Advent 2020 begins we may scoff at the idea of walking in hope. This has been a trying and difficult year and we do not have a sense of how Christmas will unfold or how the new year will begin. It is easy to lose sight of hope in the midst of this pandemic. Yet as followers of Jesus Christ hope is part of our DNA, it is written in fine print on our calling cards, it is the assurance that our God is with us – always, no matter what or when.

As we begin this short and sacred season, let us turn our attention to this hope. As we prepare our homes and our hearts during this season, let us seek hope in each day. The psalm for the First Sunday of Advent is Psalm 80 and it declares “Restore us, O God; let your face shine that we may be saved.” This is the gift of hope which is ours. It is the restoring hope of our God with us amid the tiredness of this year, the tasks at hand, the desire for specials moments in the season, the lifting up of a prayer and the reaching out to those struggling or hurting. It is the awareness that hope is not selfish, rather it calls us into relationship with God and others.

As this Advent begins and we long for the joy of Christmas to fill us, especially this year, let us linger in the hope of this season found in the message of an angel, in the carols we sing, in the quiet moments of prayer (even if only for two minutes while washing our hands again) and in the invitation to “Keep Alert. Keep Awake” (Matthew 13.33-37). Let us keep alert and keep awake for hope has away to sneak in to speak new truths and restore us, so that we too may shine like the face of God.

Week One of Advent is often called the Week of Hope, may this first week of the New Year (Liturgical) inspire you to set new goals, resolutions and restore your hope. Where do you need to incorporate Hope as we begin this New Year? The journey may feel long but it is always worth it.

 

In this season

we welcome sacred darkness

we also welcome patient light.

 

In this season

we prepare our heart and our home

and yet we are called to wait.

 

In this season

ancient carols and traditions find their place

inviting us into birthing newness.

In this season

our imagination is stirred

so are our prayers.

In this season

the rushing about here and there can hinder us

yet the gift of stillness always offers invitation.

In this season

we place our hope in the steadfast love of our God

who has come to us, is with us and will come again.

In this season

we are called to stand in awe and wonder

do we allow ourselves this gift?

Welcome Sister Advent!

Awaken us to your true gifts

as we walk in hope!

Artwork: Claire Ziprick

Keep Awake

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Keep Awake – Br. Michael, ofm

Here we are launched into November with lesser daylight and colder weather enfolding us. I find this month often calls us to settle in, to listen differently, to take stock of what we know has been and how we want to step into the final weeks of the year. The scripture for this weekend encourages this settling into our heart, listening and taking stock.

The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (which is this Sunday, November 8) scripture presents us with the reminder of the gift of wisdom (Wisdom 6.12-16), and seeking true wisdom. Psalm 63 also calls to our attention our yearning for truth, as our body and soul thirsts for union with God. In gospel we are reminded to keep awake. To be attentive to God coming to us in the everyday (so as to prepare our hearts for the feasts that linger not to far off). Let us with the wise bridesmaids of the parable (Matthew 25.1-13) keep awake – be attentive – listen closely for the God moments that will unfold in the week ahead. They may come at odd hours or at inopportune moments but they will have a message for us and our heart, all we need to do is keep awake or maybe be reawakened to our God with us.

Keep Awake

Keep Awake

the reminder comes

as days grow shorter

 

Keep awake

with the eye of the heart

and the depth of the soul

 

Keep awake

allow wisdom to whisper

be attentive to hope

 

Keep awake

“wisdom is radiant and unfading”*

let us be like the wise bridesmaids

 

Keep awake

wisdom quenches the thirsty soul

nourishing also the tired body

 

Keep awake

not with worldly knowledge alone

attune the heart to deep truth

 

Keep awake

let thirsting be for fullness

aware of God’s steadfast love always

 

Keep awake

let praise be on your lips

let your eyes be lifted up

 

Keep awake

in the mundane of the day

while the mind races and the heart waits

 

Keep awake

the feast is plentiful

all are welcomed

 

Keep awake

listen, be still, listen

wisdom comes to an open heart

 

Keep awake

ponder the closeness of our God

consider God’s very breath in yours

 

Keep awake

whether morning, noon or night

our God comes to us

 

Keep awake

glimpses of the divine are all around

God’s deep care everyday

 

Keep awake

oh, thirsting soul

for the day, the hour is now

 

Keep awake

for the day, the hour

is here and again

 

Keep awake

Keep awake

Keep Awake.

 

*Wisdom 6.12

 

 

Advent 2020 at Mount St. Francis

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Advent 2020 at Mount St. Francis

 

Twilight Retreat – Prepare the Way

Wednesday, November 25

6:00 pm (Supper at 6:30 pm)

$30

 

Advent Retreat – Wonder’s of God’s Love

Friday, December 4 – Sunday, December 6

Register with Linda & Russ @ 403-932-1804  or  lindamnicol50@gmail.com

$195

 

Each Advent Season the air is filled with Christmas carols which constantly fast forwards the season to the Feast of Christmas. Rather than fast forwarding the season, this retreat has taken the theme “Wonders of God’s Love” from a much-loved Christmas carol to anchor us in Advent. This retreat invites you to stay in the waiting of Advent while reflecting on the gifts of love, wonder and awe.

 

Presenters:

Christa Hesselink is a well-respected keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, retreat leader and certified spiritual director. She is the founder of SoulPlay. She holds a Master’s of Leadership, and a Master’s of Theology degree. Due to COVID-19, Christa will not be traveling from Ontario to be onsite at Mount St. Francis but will join us virtually to help guide the retreat.

 

Br. Michael Perras, ofm is part of the Retreat Team at Mount St. Francis. He has presented retreats for various age groups and settings and is a certified spiritual director. He holds a Bachelor’s of Theology Degree and certificates in Youth Ministry and Lay Ministry.

 

Day Away – The Price and Promise of the Gospel

Wednesday, December 9

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

$30 ($40 for private room)

 

Winter Stillness Retreat

Friday, December 11 – Sunday, December 13

A quiet weekend to be still in the silence during the season of Advent.

$195

 

Twilight Retreat: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Tuesday, December 15

6:00 pm (Supper at 6:30 pm)

$30

 

To Register for any of these Advent Retreats contact Deb at 403-932-2012

Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

Greccio: A St. Francis Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 6

Check our website for updated information on this year’s virtual event.

All Saints: All of Us 

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All Saints: All of Us – Br. Michael, ofm

 

Ever since I have been a child, I have enjoyed Halloween. I have enjoyed the creativity of it and the sense of adventure. There is something about the glow of light coming from a carved pumpkin on a dark night that speaks to the core of who I am and who we all are. Early on in my life I learned that All Saints Day was November 1 and Halloween makes sense then when they are aligned; for the Saints know all about the light within.

 

In the First Letter of John (3.1-3) we read… “Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed.” This speaks to the creativity and sense of adventure that our lives hold not just at Halloween, rather in our daily living for we are created good, holy and worthy. Being God’s children awakens us to the creativity to build the kingdom with our abilities, skills and talents. Being God’s children means that the adventure we call life is not even a glimpse of the adventure which is our heavenly reward. Being God’s children asks us to shine forth the light which has been entrusted to us and to let it shine for we have “this hope in God”.

 

All Saints Day gives voice to the countless men, women and children who as Psalm 24 states, is “the company of those who seek God’s face.” All Saints Day is not about halos, white robes and wings, it is about how we the children of God seek God’s face by living out the beatitudes. The beatitudes as an extension of the golden rule provide us with the reality check of being called blessed. We are indeed blessed, as is all of humanity and creation, the reality is how we embrace and live out of this blessedness. We the children of God, saints among the saints are called to the freedom, to not living beyond our means, to the strength of offering comfort, and respect for all of creation. We are called to be a voice of justice and dignity, peacemakers and to keep our eyes on heaven. We know this is not easy in a world which puts self in demand and makes us instant stars daily, even if only of our own worlds. Being children of God is a life time journey, being saints is a journey in the making each day for as the letter of John states, “when God is revealed, we will be like God, for we will see God as God is.” This is not an instant thing at all, this is about transformation. This is about opening our heart to the truth of Love, this is about in the midst of the muck, hatred and even persecution that the light at our core (like that of a jack-o-lantern) is always shining, for we are called to “rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5.12a).

 

We stand shoulder to shoulder with the great saints of history who sought the face of God, we also stand shoulder to shoulder with the great saints of our time and our day (and there are many during this pandemic) who seek the face of God. Let us continue to raise our voices in gratitude, be blessings for each other, be aware of our blessings and join our voices singing with all the saints in glory for we are children of God. As we stand shoulder to shoulder, saints among the saints we will see the creativity which makes us children of God, we will be encouraged for the adventure of living out the beatitudes and we will shine with the light that God has incorporated into our very DNA! As Josephine Furlong once said, “Today (All Saints Day), as we honour the saints, the holy people of God, let us keep in mind that each one of us shares in the communion of saints. We are called to holiness. We are called to sainthood. We are called to God’s service. No one is missing. No one is left out… we are one family of God. Let us thank God for all the holy men, women and children who have prepared the way to Jesus for us. They show us that God is in our midst!”

 

Indeed, let us rejoice and be glad

knowing that the light at our core is shining bright

(even if a jack-o-lantern needs to remind us)!

 

Happy Halloween! Happy All Saints!

Love God – Love Neighbour – Love Self 

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Love God – Love Neighbour – Love Self  – Br. Michael, ofm

 

“Love your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind… love your neighbour as yourself,” Jesus says in gospel of Matthew (chapter 22).

These greatest of commandments echo in my head and heart not only this weekend because they will be proclaimed and preached about, but because they guide my daily living. As they guide my daily living, they challenge me to how I embrace life.

To love my neighbours as I love myself means that I am taking care of myself. Not only physically and socially but also spiritually and my soul too. It is not easy to love one’s self. We measure ourselves against others, we view our lives in comparison of what they have and we don’t, we allow our mind to fill not with God and God’s love but with jealousy, worry and hurts. How do I love my neighbour if I can’t love myself? How do I love my neighbour when my jealousy makes me build walls and fences around my stuff and my heart? When my worries and fears turn to judgement, prejudices, and false images of my neighbours? When my hurts from my journey are projected upon my neighbours and they become not good enough, or don’t do things the right way or meet my expectation? It is tough to love my neighbour as myself because this means I need to evaluate my living.

Do I love myself by making time for prayer and simply being before my God?
Do I love myself by having a heart of gratitude?
Do I love myself by constantly acknowledging what I have and trusting it is enough (both materially and skills/talents?)?
Do I love myself by forgiving myself for my shortcomings and when I hurt another?
Do I love myself by seeking the greater good for all, for the human family that I myself am a part of?

When we stop and reflect on how we love ourselves and how we interact with the human family, our patterns become obvious; maybe a bit too painfully obvious. I know it causes me to pause and say, “Oh that needs a redo or I need to let go or I have not listened to the still small voice in my heart.” I know that when I pause and reflect on my actions, I see that my heart needs a tune up and needs to align again with the Love of all loves, our God.

Psalm 18 declares “I love you, O Lord, my strength.” Because we are made in the image and likeness of God, we are incorporated into the heart of our God. God indeed is our strength. Yet time and again we deny ourselves this beautiful gift because we don’t think we are worthy; we can’t see the love that makes up our very selves. We instead turn loving the Lord our God into loving the Lord the God of our choice – whether that be money, possessions, work, reputation, travel, food and drink, etc. – anything to cloud over the truth of God’s DNA being in our DNA and the truth to which to which this calls us. It is easier to love those things than it is to love the fulness of Love – our God.

Do I love our God – the source of all love or do I love the stuff I love?
Do I love my neighbour knowing God is present in them in ways I may not see easily?
Do I love our God not simply by whispers of a prayer but by listening for God’s voice as well?
Do I love my neighbours because they can show me new paths to God?

St. Francis of Assisi was a young man full of the illusion that he was his own God. His loving of self was an illusion that consisted of parties, being a knight and having a place of distinction among his friends and community. When he finally saw past this illusion or rather when this illusion was stripped of him and he was left with nothing but himself in a prisoner’s cell and then in front of a crucifix, he came to understand loving God and neighbour in a new way. When Francis of Assisi was able to embrace the freedom of the gift of poverty he was raptured with love of God and love neighbour. “My God and My All,” he would declare time and again knowing that God was indeed with him and within him. He would see the presence of God in his neighbour the leper, his neighbour the brother and his neighbour of creation. He was able to do this because he was no longer saying, “I am God and I am All” he was able to love them as himself because he knew they too were carrying the love of God in them. God was indeed that close time and again, how could he not love God and neighbour? It’s the same question we must ask ourselves. Franciscan Sister Ilia Delio states “Francis of Assisi was aware that to live a God-filled life he would have to undergo conversion of heart… we do not change the world, we change ourselves and the way we see the world. A changed life changes the world.” This is reality of loving our God, loving our neighbour and loving ourselves. It is the reality that St. Francis let captured his heart and life, we must do the same.

We are living in trying times, where our societal structures are being challenged, where new realities are creating awareness which have been kept suppressed and where truths about humanity are surfacing. It is easy to live holding on to the false illusions of what was instead of looking into the now and listening for the heart of God emerging. The heart of our God is emerging (and always has been) in the cries for justice, in the call for human dignity, in the respect of the human person, in the aching of our sister mother Earth, in the church truly becoming the body of Christ. It is not easy to love one’s self, and these trying times are awakening our hearts to this truth. Yet in the silence as well as the voices raised the voice of God is heard. The voice of Love is present to us, is in us and is heard. Our God, Love of all love is present and is our rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, source of our salvation, stronghold and full of steadfast love (Psalm 18) because the heart which loves God and loves neighbour beats that close… can we hear it?

Be still. Listen…