FS #70: Man in Franciscan Spirituality, Part 16 – Apr 03 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 03, 2024, where he focuses once again on the Franciscan view of the nature of a person in the spiritual life, but this time on the indispensable role of charity alongside justice in cultivating a harmonious and spiritual social life. This continues his series and the subsection, "Man in Franciscan Spirituality," humanity's role in God's plan of salvation.

Father continued his series on Franciscan spirituality, focusing on the essential role of charity in social life. He explained that while law and justice are fundamental, they are insufficient for ensuring social harmony. Justice can sometimes coexist with great injustices, highlighting the need for a "soul" in social structures, embodied by charity. Father cited Jesus’ teachings from Matthew 5:47 - even the Gentiles show kindness to those who are kind to them, but Christian charity calls us to love even our enemies, going beyond the justice of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). This love, a divine command, fosters true fraternity and unity among people, surpassing natural love's limitations by inclining us towards God and others for God's sake. Saint Bonaventure's insights were shared, emphasizing charity's role in uniting humanity in the mystical body of Christ, where all are connected through love, transcending time and space. Father concluded by invoking Our Lady's intercession for a more just and charitable society.

Matthew 5:47 - even the Gentiles show kindness to those kind to them - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?47
Matthew 5:20 - surpassing the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?20
John 17 - Jesus prays for unity among his followers - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17

00:00 – Introduction to Franciscan Spirituality and Social Ethics
00:15 – The Foundation of Law, Justice, and Charity in Society
01:03 – Transcending Justice with Charity: A Biblical Perspective
01:45 – Charity as the Soul of Social Life: Insights from Bonaventure
03:14 – The Contrast between Natural and Supernatural Love
04:10 – The Supremacy of Charity in Creating Social Bonds
05:16 – Franciscan Spirituality: Bridging the Natural and Supernatural
07:38 – Closing Reflections: A Prayer for Justice and Charity

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: Wednesday of Easter Week - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/040324.cfm
1st: act 3:1-10
Resp: psa 105:1-4, 6-9
Gsp: luk 24:13-35

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1779

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