FS 109 – Holy Mother Church, Part 4 – Feb 12 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Feb 12, 2025, on how the example of St. Francis's profound reverence and submission to Church authority is a model for authentic Catholic spirituality.

Father explores how St. Francis embodied the spirit of Matthew 16:18-19 through his profound submission to Church authority. He references the story of the San Damiano crucifix, where Christ commissioned Francis to "rebuild my Church" (implicit reference to Acts 15:16). Drawing on CCC 891 regarding papal authority, Father explains how Francis's approach contrasted with contemporary heretics who were misinterpreting Scripture (2 Peter 3:16). Francis demonstrated the biblical principle of authority (Romans 13:1) when he sought Pope Innocent III's approval. The Pope recognized Francis as fulfilling Isaiah 22:22 in supporting the Church. Francis's attitude reflected Christ's own submission (Philippians 2:8) and the Church's maternal role (Galatians 4:26). His example embodies CCC 87 on the authentic interpretation of Scripture through Church authority. Father emphasizes how Francis, like Mary (Luke 1:38), showed perfect obedience to divine authority through Church structures, exemplifying CCC 892 on the teaching authority of the Church.
For Further Reading:

Matthew 16:18-19 - NAB - Peter as Rock of Church - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16?18
Acts 15:16 - NAB - Rebuilding of David's House - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15?16
CCC 891 - Papal Infallibility Explained - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/891.htm
CCC 87 - Church's Interpretation of Scripture - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/87.htm
CCC 892 - Church Teaching Authority - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/892.htm
Franciscan Media - St. Francis of Assisi - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi

This is a continuation of his series on Franciscan spirituality, and starting a new subsection, "Holy Mother Church," explaining how the goal of Franciscan spirituality, union with God, is to be achieved within the Church. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNN151zTIO4&list=PLejh_e0-LN4xgMllKrzSasL2Hljd5BHom . 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 5th Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021225.cfm
1st: gen 2:5-9, 15-17
Resp: psa 104:1-2, 27-30
Gsp: mar 7:14-23

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1385

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