FS #58: Man in Franciscan Spirituality, Part 4 – Dec 11 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 11, 2023, on the understanding of man's soul in Franciscan Spirituality and its role in the capacity of human understanding. This continues his series and the subsection, "Man in Franciscan Spirituality," humanity's role in God's plan.

Franciscan spirituality emphasizes the human faculties of understanding and will as illuminated by divine light. John 1:9 illustrates the concept of the Word as a guiding light for humanity. Our rational soul makes us distinct from animals and defines our unique human nature. St. Bonaventure teaches that our knowledge is a collaborative effort between human thought and divine guidance. This Franciscan perspective contrasts with Platonic and Aristotelian theories, advocating for a balance between sensory experiences and divine illumination in acquiring knowledge. The homily stresses that all intelligence and goodness originate from God, shaping our understanding of the world and morality. In Franciscan thought, understanding and willing are intrinsic to the soul, driving us towards the infinite and God. The culmination of this spiritual journey is the Incarnation, where divine and human knowledge converge. The homily concludes with a call to seek the light of God for a deeper understanding of our supernatural life.

Bible Reference
John 1:9 - The Word is true light that gives light to everyone - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1?9

Ave Maria!

00:00 – Introduction to Franciscan Spirituality
00:12 – The Faculties of the Soul: Understanding and Willing
00:34 – Exploring Human Understanding in Franciscan Thought
03:02 – St. Bonaventure's Perspective on Knowledge and Divine Light
04:06 – Franciscan Views on Knowledge Acquisition
05:27 – The Role of Divine Ideas in Human Knowledge
07:10 – The Integral Role of God in Human Understanding and Knowledge

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: St. Damasus I - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=41
Readings: Monday in the 2nd Week in Advent - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121123.cfm
1st: isa 35:1-10
Resp: psa 85:9-14
Gsp: luk 5:17-26

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1212&r=1279

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