THEMES IN FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY

I have been an official Franciscan since 2001 when I joined my community- the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. One part of Franciscan spirituality that deeply resonates with me is the wonder of the Incarnation. Francis was so amazed that the mighty God of the Universe would become a helpless infant. He contemplated the Incarnation throughout his life, but he could never get over his awe. God became humble; God chose to be human. The Humility of God is a Franciscan concept that sounds like a contradiction. But Francis was able to see the truth in this. Jesus came to earth as an infant born of a woman, like the rest of us humans. He was not born into privilege, in fact, very much the opposite. He wasn’t even born at home. He was born in another city, Joseph’s ancestral home. And why would God send His son to earth as a human? Because He loves us. Francis knew this. He knew that love is God and God is love. God’s love is the driving force of the universe. It is why there is a universe. God created people and a place to send His Son. Christmas is the Feast of the Incarnation. Francis noticed that people had forgotten why Christmas is so special, so at Greccio, he recreated the birth of Jesus in 1223 with some live animals. The townspeople saw anew the wonder of baby Jesus.

Francis inspired the Nativity scene, which many of us put out at Christmas. My family always had a Nativity set out for Christmas, which I looked forward to helping put up every year. As a child, I connected with baby Jesus because I knew I had been a baby and knew my younger brothers as babies. Christmas always had a sense of wonder, a baby in a manger with His parents, animals and angels singing. Christmas is my favorite day. Later, I heard that Easter was the “most important” feast day because Jesus died to save us. I was sad because Christmas wasn’t as important, but it didn’t feel right to me. Later, with some Franciscan study, I realized that it wasn’t a contest. Christmas is important because of the Incarnation. God loves us so much that He became one of us, so we could experience God on our human level. God is not only an omnipotent, transcendent Being, Jesus became a human. Franciscan spirituality is one of joy. God loves each of us more than we can ever imagine. He loves us just as we are. If all of us lived as the Beloved of God that we are, imagine what a world it would be.

Sister Gayle Rusbasan, OSF
Campus Minister
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL

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WITH FRANCISCAN GRATITUDE!

It is hard to believe we have already come to the end of October. And what an incredible Reflection Series it has been for Franciscan Month! We cannot thank enough everyone who contributed to this Series. We are also grateful to those who subscribed, and anyone who commented on the wonderful depth and breath of the reflections. Special thanks go to Timothy Nagy of our Office. Without his outstanding coordination, the Series would not have been possible. This Series has greatly assisted in moving forward the dream of October being designated as Franciscan Month. Our vision includes national and local events in 2024, with global recognition in Assisi in 2026 for the commemoration of the 800 th anniversary of Francis' reunion with God! Looking forward to continue walking the Franciscan journey with you. May you do so in God's Peace and Love! Deus Meus et Omnia, St. Francis College Office of Mission, Ministry and Interfaith Dialogue

BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE!

Be where your feet are! The first time I remember hearing this phrase, I was juggling many responsibilities and was struggling to keep my head above water. I immediately cringed as I realized that I was not being mindful. I was not recognizing the beauty of every moment or appreciating the reality that I/we are always in the presence of our God. Be where your feet are has become a mantra for me … a call to presence and prayer. This phrase leads me back to Saint Clare’s method of prayer and contemplation. In her second letter to Agnes of Prague, Clare suggests that one should “Gaze upon Christ, Consider Christ, Contemplate Christ, as you desire to Imitate Christ.” What a powerful and challenging message this is! Be where your feet are! When I gaze, I am called to be mindful of the people and events that are happening around me. As I slow down to gaze, does that change my perception of what is important? Does gazing challenge how I spend my time, talent and treasure? Be where

SELF-AWARENESS, SELF-ACTUALIZATION

On his deathbed, St. Francis freed his Brothers by saying, “I have done what was mine to do, may Christ now teach you what you are to do.” Why did he say this? So that his Brothers would not try to become him. God created each of Francis’ Brothers to be who they were, not who St. Francis was. The key for them finding out what was theirs to do was discovering whom God intended them to be. Now, 800 years later, self-awareness for our students is just - if not - more important. A Franciscan view of career suggests each of our students needs to know who they are so that they can see the Good inside themselves, and share that Good to maximize their contribution to transform a world desperately in need of their Good. Sadly, for most college students, self-awareness is in short supply. On my radio show Thank God For Monday, guests advise that today’s college graduates are not self-aware. Sure, they know accounting and biology and information technology, but are hopelessly cluele

Franciscan Month Reflection Series

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