FS #77: Nature in Franciscan Spirituality, Part 7 – Jun 11 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 11, 2024, where he speaks on Franciscan spirituality, and how it reveals the sacramental nature of the universe, where all creation reflects God's divine attributes, pointing us to the Creator and Redeemer. This is a continuation of his series on Franciscan spirituality and the subsection, "Nature in Franciscan Spirituality," emphasizing the Franciscan understanding and appreciation of nature and how it should lead us to God.

Continuing our series on Franciscan spirituality, today we'll explore the sacramental nature of the universe. St. Francis's Canticle of Brother Sun calls us to see creation in God and Christ Jesus. St. Paul in [Romans 1:20 - God's infinite perfections, his eternal power, and deity have been clearly perceived in the things that have been made](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/1?20) and [Wisdom 13:5 - For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/13?5) support this view.

St. Bonaventure and Dante describe creation as reflecting divine wisdom. Bonaventure notes that creatures are shadows and echoes of God, with humans bearing God's image. He states that every creature resembles God, with the universe reflecting divine beauty. Thinkers like St. Augustine, St. Hugo of St. Victor, Blessed Raymond Lull, Blaise Pascal, and St. John Henry Newman see the universe as carrying God's sign and seal.

Bonaventure explains that the universe reflects and describes its Maker, the Trinity, revealing God's power and goodness. Pascal in his Pensées says all things have veils that cover God. The Franciscan love of symbols highlights the mystical meaning of nature, helping the faithful recall higher truths revealed by Christ.

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 "Nature 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. Barnabas the Apostle - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=211
Readings: Tuesday 10th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061124.cfm
1st: 1ki 17:7-16
Resp: psa 4:2-5, 7-8
Gsp: mat 5:13-16

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1089&r=1620

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and YouTube: https://youtu.be/SV48AT7phTY