Thursday, November 25, 2010

Solanus Casey - a man full of thanks!

How appropriate that this Thanksgiving Day falls on the 140th birthday of Venerable Solanus Casey, a Capuchin who truly knew how to offer thanks to God for blessings received.

"Let us thank God ahead of time for whatever he forsees is pleasing to Him, leaving everything at His divine disposal, including, with all its circumstances, when, where, and how He may be pleased to dispose the events of our death."

I pray that I can emulate his gentle, peaceful, practical, grateful ways.

Pax et bonum

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Peace ... not Anger

As part of formation, we discussed the topic of peace.

I had a hard time.

I am not a peaceful person. There is a lot of anger in me. I have a bad temper. I fester and seethe at times.

As I read the material, as I thought of the Franciscan focus on peace, as i considered the life of St,. Francis, I couldn't help think of my own lack of peace.

I told my formation director that I was so troubled as I read and reflected that I wondered if I could in good conscience make my final profession before I had dealt with this issue.

He was supportive and comforting, but still, the misgivings linger.

Of course, I may never "resolve" this. It may be a life-long issue with which I'll have to struggle. And as a Secular Franciscan, I would be on a spiritual path that will help me if I am open to God's grace.

Pax et bonum