Many Saints from the Franciscan Rule – Nov 29 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 29, 2023, the Feast of All Franciscan Saints as well as the 800th anniversary of the confirmation of the Franciscan rule, where he emphasizes the role of Rule and devotion to the Immaculate Heart as a path to sanctity.

The Feast of All Franciscan Saints highlights the spiritual vitality and diversity of the Franciscan Orders. This year it also marks the 800th anniversary of Pope Honorius III's confirmation of the First Order's rule on November 29, 1223, linking it to the path to sanctity. The homily emphasizes Gospel poverty as exemplified by Christ's Incarnation and His complete self-emptying, aligning this with St. Francis's teachings on poverty, obedience, and chastity. It connects the Franciscan rule with the Immaculate Conception, a doctrine strongly associated with Franciscans, especially Blessed John Duns Scotus and Blessed Pius IX. The homily concludes by encouraging the emulation of Franciscan saints and devotion to the Immaculate Heart as a path to sanctity, inspired by St. Augustine's call to pursue heavenly goals with the support of the saints' intercession.

Bible References
"The son of man has nowhere to lay his head" - Matthew 8:20 - Jesus speaks of His lack of a permanent home - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/8?20
"The kingdom of heaven suffers violence and those who do themselves violence take possession of it" - Matthew 11:12 - Jesus describes the passionate striving for the Kingdom of Heaven - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?12

00:00 – Introduction to Feast of All Franciscan Saints
00:32 – Overview of Franciscan Orders and Their Roles
01:00 – The Third Order and Diverse Franciscan Apostolates
01:22 – Franciscan Saints: Martyrs, Doctors, Kings, and More
02:24 – November 29 and the Franciscan Order
03:02 – The Rule of St. Francis: Guiding Principles and Path to Sanctity
04:04 – Gospel Teachings and Franciscan Practice of Poverty
04:58 – The Concept of Gospel Poverty in Franciscan Tradition
06:04 – Linking Franciscan Rule with the Immaculate Conception
07:21 – Consecration to the Immaculate and Path to Sanctity

Ave Maria!

Mass: All Saints of the Franciscan Ord. - Feast
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/112923.cfm
1st: sir 44:1, 10-15
Resp: psa 24:1-6
Gsp: mar 10:17-21

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=752

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