FS #41: Spiritual Christocentrism, Part 2 – Jul 26 – Homily – Fr Terrance
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Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jul 26, 2023, where he continues his series on Franciscan Spirituality, and how this involves a spiritual Christocentrism, revolving around the idea that we can find Christ in the Scriptures as the way, the truth, and the life, highlighting the need to embrace and partake in the sacraments of His Church.
Franciscan spirituality emphasizes Christ as the center of our spiritual life. Each of us longs for divine love and true happiness, even unconsciously. This desire can be fulfilled by embracing Christ, the embodiment of love, joy, and genuine happiness.
The gospel, more than just a set of books, is our pathway to the word of God-made-flesh. Opening the New Testament reveals Christ's teachings and examples. Approaching this with openness and sincerity brings one closer to the divine love they seek. These words are alive, offering renewal and life. Beyond the scripture, our encounter with Christ continues through sacraments, encapsulating His living presence.
In the New Testament, we find statements only Jesus, with divine authority, could proclaim, such as 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' [John 14:6 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?6], 'I am the door' [John 10:9 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/10?9], and 'I am the resurrection and the life' [John 11:25 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/11?25]. These words portray Christ's absolute primacy and His infinite greatness.
Jesus is also portrayed as the head of the body, as we are its members, responding to our insatiable needs [Colossians 1:16 - All things were created through and for Christ - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1?16]. We are interconnected, reliant on Christ and each other.
Jesus, as the way, the truth, and the life, guides us through our physical senses, enlightens our intelligence, and empowers our will. Through sacraments, we experience His presence. His eternal truth reveals itself in scriptures and Church teachings. By making choices to love, to live, and to do good, we find life in Christ, enabling us to partake in divine charity.
Seeing, understanding, and living for Christ define the Christian life, a reflection of St. Francis's life and the lives of true Christians. Our future reflections will explore these three aspects. Today, let's ask Our Lady for the grace to embrace Her Son as our way, truth, and life.
00:00 - Introduction, Spiritual Christocentrism
00:22 - Longing for God and Christ: An Innate Desire
00:40 - The Gospel: Fulfillment of Desires
01:21 - Finding Love and Meaning in Christ
01:55 - The Living Words of Christ: Relevant and Life-giving
02:13 - Beyond the Bible: Sacraments and Living Christ's Presence
03:12 - The Divine Assertions of Jesus in the Gospel
04:33 - Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life
06:26 - Living an Authentically Franciscan & Christian Life
06:56 - Conclusion: Embracing Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Ave Maria!
This is a continuation of his series of homilies on Franciscan Spirituality - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNN151zTIO4&list=PLejh_e0-LN4xgMllKrzSasL2Hljd5BHom
The material for this series comes primarily from Ciccarelli, Marciano M., "I capisaldi della spiritualità francescana" in Italian, which translates as "The Cornerstones of Franciscan Spirituality". No English translations exist at the time of this recording.
Mass: Joachim and Anne - Mem
Readings: - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072623.cfm
1st: sir 44:1, 10-15
Resp: psa 132:11, 13-14, 17-18
Gsp: mat 13:16-17
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1116
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