FS #91: End Game, Part 5 – Sep 09 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Sep 09, 2024, where he continues his series on Franciscan spirituality by focusing on how grace, infused virtues, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are essential to reaching the final goal of mystical union with God, according to St. Bonaventure's teachings on Franciscan spirituality.

This is a continuation of his series on Franciscan spirituality and the subsection, "End Game," the final goal of all spirituality, union with God. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNN151zTIO4&list=PLejh_e0-LN4xgMllKrzSasL2Hljd5BHom

He draws upon the teachings of the Franciscan theologian and Doctor of the Church St. Bonaventure, who described the mystical life as one of grace, infused virtues, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the beatitudes. Grace, according to Bonaventure, is a gift that purifies, elevates, and unites the soul to God. This grace is first given at baptism and comes from Christ, who is the source of divine life for the Mystical Body (Ephesians 3:17). Grace does not destroy human nature but elevates and perfects it, making us Christians and adopted children of God through Christ's merits.

Those who reject grace cannot achieve natural or supernatural perfection. Without grace, people lack direction and purpose, which is why so many feel unfulfilled and unhappy. As Christians, it is essential to pray for them and be examples of Christ's presence. Our ultimate purpose is mystical union with God, which will be fulfilled in the next life, where we will see Him face-to-face and possess Him (1 Corinthians 13:12 , 1 John 3:2). Father concludes by asking for Our Lady's intercession to help us cooperate with God’s grace.

Links for further reading:

1 Corinthians 13:12 - We will see God face-to-face - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/13?12
1 John 3:2 - We shall see Him as He is - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/3?2
Ephesians 3:17 - Be rooted and grounded in love in Christ - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/3?17
CCC 1996 - Grace is a free gift from God that invites us into communion with Him - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1996.htm
CCC 1266 - Baptism confers grace and the virtues needed for Christian life - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1266.htm
CCC 2000 - Sanctifying grace is a habitual gift, enabling the soul to live with God - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2000.htm

00:00 - Introduction to Franciscan Spirituality
00:13 - Essential Elements of Mystical Life
00:21 - The Goal of Mystical Union
00:35 - St. Bonaventure's Insights on Mysticism
01:16 - Importance of Desiring Union with God
02:03 - Four Fundamental Elements of Mystical Life
02:18 - The Role of Grace in Sanctification
05:34 - Preparing for Mystical Union with God

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. Peter Claver - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=94
Readings: Monday in the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/090924.cfm
1st: 1co 5:1-8
Resp: psa 5:5-6, 7, 12
Gsp: luk 6:6-11

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1150&r=936

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