FS 117 – The Fruits, Part 8 – Apr 29 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 29, 2025, where he explores the apostolic essence of Franciscan spirituality, rooted in St. Francis’ mission to rebuild the Church through poverty and preaching.

Father delves into the apostolic core of Franciscan spirituality, emphasizing its transformative impact on society through St. Francis’ mission of poverty and preaching. He highlights the movement’s humble origins, noting its “minores” (little brothers) ethos, which shunned pride yet achieved lasting influence, as St. Paul describes diverse vocations equipping the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Father Ciccarelli’s poetic vision of the movement as “swollen with divine fluid” underscores each member’s role as a herald in Christ’s Church. St. Francis’ renunciation of worldly power, rooted in humility (CCC 2544), led to a life of absolute poverty, yet his apostolic calling was clear. His prayer at San Damiano, seeking faith, hope, and charity (CCC 1813), culminated in Christ’s command to rebuild the Church, initially understood literally but later revealed as a broader mission. Father stresses that abandoning this apostolate is akin to a soldier going AWOL, echoing St. Paul’s warning, “Woe to me if I don’t preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16). St. Francis’ dilemma—contemplation versus preaching—was resolved at the Portiuncola through prayer with St. Clare and Friar Sylvester, affirming his apostolic destiny. The friars’ engagement with the world, preaching at crossroads, embodied charity (CCC 1822). Father concludes by urging us to seek Our Lady’s grace to live apostolically, reflecting St. Francis’ seraphic vocation in our lives, trusting in God’s will (CCC 2826).

For further reading:

Ephesians 4:11-12 - NAB - Diverse Vocations for Ministry - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/4?11
1 Corinthians 9:16 - NAB - Duty to Preach Gospel - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/9?16
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2544 - Christian Poverty and Detachment - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2544.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1813 - Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1813.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1822 - Charity as Love of God - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1822.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2826 - Conforming to God’s Will - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2826.htm
Franciscan Media - St. Clare of Assisi - Profile of St. Clare - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clare-of-assisi/
Catholic Encyclopedia - Franciscan Order - History of Franciscan Movement - https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06217a.htm
Wikipedia - Portiuncola - Historical Significance of Portiuncola - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portiuncola

This is a continuation of his series on Franciscan spirituality, specifically the subsection "The Fruits," which explains the four fruits of Franciscan spirituality: interior freedom, holy simplicity, perfect joy, and the works of the apostolate.
Play List - 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.

00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Influence of Franciscan Movement
01:30 - Poverty and Littleness
02:00 - Biblical Basis for Apostolate
03:28 - San Damiano Prayer
04:06 - Rebuilding the Church
04:45 - Friars’ Worldly Engagement
06:13 - Call to Apostolic Life

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Catherine of Siena - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=9
Readings: Tuesday 2nd Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042925.cfm
1st: act 4:32-37
Resp: psa 93:1-2, 5
Gsp: joh 3:7-15

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1064&r=1697

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