FS #62: Man in Franciscan Spirituality, Part 8 – Jan 31 – Homily – Fr Terrance
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Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 31, 2024, and again focuses on the Franciscan view of the nature of a person rooted in the Christian mysteries of the Trinity that enables us to understand and live out our human calling. This continues his series and the subsection, "Man in Franciscan Spirituality," humanity's role in God's plan.
Father explores the concept of relative subsistence in Franciscan spirituality, illuminating it through the Trinity's eternal exchange of love and essence, and highlighting its implications for understanding human dignity and divine perfection.
Franciscan spirituality has its philosophical roots in the concept of "relative subsistence." This term refers to the unique way in which an entity exists as part of a larger, uncreated reality or substance, a concept that is often explored to understand the nature and dignity of the human person. To make this concept more accessible, Father looks to the Trinity—God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as a prime example of relative subsistence, where each Person, though distinct in relation and properties, shares fully in the same divine essence.
Saint Bonaventure and Richard of St. Victor are referenced to further explain how the Trinity exemplifies perfect self-giving and communicability. In simpler terms, Father points out that the relationship within the Trinity is the ultimate model of selflessness—each Divine Person gives completely to the others, without losing or diminishing Their own essence. This divine exchange is not due to a lack or need but springs from the fullness and perfection of God's nature.
Father draws a parallel between this divine reality and our call to understand human dignity and purpose. He emphasizes that by looking at the Trinity, we can learn about our own value and the importance of self-giving love. The homily ends with a call to seek a deeper understanding of God and ourselves, which are pivotal for spiritual growth.
All of this connects deep theological concepts with practical spiritual advice, encouraging us to reflect on the divine model of the Trinity to understand and live out our human calling more fully.
He concludes with an invocation of Our Lady's intercession for deeper self-knowledge and knowledge of God, pivotal for spiritual growth.
The scriptural references include:
Luke 10:22 - Jesus acknowledges that all He knows and has comes from the Father - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?22
John 5:26 - The Father grants the Son to have life in Himself, just as the Father does - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/5?26
John 16:15 - Jesus says all that the Father has is His - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?15
John 16:13-14 - Jesus speaks of the Spirit of truth, glorifying Him by declaring what is Jesus' to the disciples - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?13
00:00 – Introduction and Overview of Franciscan Spirituality
00:09 – The Human Person in Franciscan Thought
00:31 – Understanding Relative Subsistence: Philosophy and Theology
01:17 – Exploring the Trinity: Personal Relations and Divine Essence
02:49 – Eternal Dynamics of Giving and Receiving Within the Trinity
03:54 – Scriptural Reflections on Divine Relationships
05:06 – Divine Perfections and the Reflection in Human Nature
05:34 – Concluding Thoughts: Self and Divine Understanding Through Prayer
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.
Ave Maria!
Mass: St. John Bosco - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=63
Readings: Wednesday 4th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/013124.cfm
1st: 2sa 24:2, 9-17
Resp: psa 32:1-2, 5-7
Gsp: mar 6:1-6
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1025&r=1585
Also on Facebook: https://fb.watch/pZm3idIlyp/
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/PrmCQ83rRIo
