FS #57: Man in Franciscan Spirituality, Part 3 – Dec 05 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 05, 2023, on the understanding of man's soul in Franciscan Spirituality and its role in elevating the material world and our mission to glorify God through our unique human nature. This continues his series and the subsection, "Man in Franciscan Spirituality," humanity's role in God's plan,

The Franciscan spiritual perspective emphasizes that humans are incarnated spirits, with a unique dignity and value, distinct from other material beings. The creation of man in Genesis, where God breathed life into Adam, symbolizes the soul's infusion into the body. The soul is spiritual in nature, yet linked to the body. The soul, being created directly by God at conception, is destined for eternal beatitude or misery based on our choices. Unlike Plato's view of the soul as imprisoned by the body, Franciscan thinking sees the soul and body as naturally complementary. The human soul, enlivening the body, elevates the material world, guiding it towards glorifying God. Humans are tasked with dominion over creation, reflecting their unique mission. The homily concludes with a call to live by the Spirit, in line with St. Paul's teachings, and to align our spirit with Christ, seeking guidance from Our Lady.

Biblical References:

Genesis 2:7 - God breathed the breath of life into Adam - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2?7
Colossians 3 - Set minds on things above, not earthly things - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/3
Genesis 1:28 - Man given dominion over earth - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/1?28

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
and the subsection "Man in Franciscan Spirituality."

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 of this book exist at the time of this recording.

Mass: Tuesday in the 1st Week in Advent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120523.cfm
1st: isa 11:1-10
Resp: psa 72:1, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Gsp: luk 10:21-24

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1274

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and YouTube: https://youtu.be/vOjT_SKfZdY