Follow Me
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Franciscan Media
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Self-denial is never an end in itself but is only a help toward greater charity—as the life of Saint John Joseph shows.
John Joseph was very ascetic even as a young man. At 16, he joined the Franciscans in Naples; he was the first Italian to follow the reform movement of Saint Peter Alcantara. John Joseph’s reputation for holiness prompted his superiors to put him in charge of establishing a new friary even before he was ordained.
Obedience moved John Joseph to accept appointments as novice master, guardian and, finally, provincial. His years of mortification enabled him to offer these services to the friars with great charity. As guardian he was not above working in the kitchen or carrying the wood and water needed by the friars.
When his term as provincial expired, John Joseph dedicated himself to hearing confessions and practicing mortification, two concerns contrary to the spirit of the dawning Age of Enlightenment. John Joseph of the Cross was canonized in 1839.
(2 Minute Read)
He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
– Luke 5:27-28
Enjoy this depection from The Chosen of how today's Gospel might have occurred:
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Rakhi McCormick
Artist, writer, speaker, convert / rakstardesigns.com
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The world feels like it is spinning out of our control. Most of us cannot effect change in Ukraine. Or Somalia. Or Afghanistan. Or Lebanon. Or Mexico. Or so many other war torn parts of the world. It is frightening and overwhelming when we focus on the immensity of it all.
We can, however, commit to building communities of peace where we are. In our homes and schools and workplaces. In our churches and synagogues and mosques. In our health care and justice systems. And here, in these squares and wherever we are present.
Speak words that build up and deescalate volatility.
Build structures, systems, and laws that affirm the inherent dignity of each human.
Prioritize people over profit.
Seek reconciliation instead of revenge.
Learn to be okay with walking away without getting the last word.
We cannot change the world overnight, but maybe, with every small act of resistance against rage and violence, a more peaceful world will begin to blossom in our lifetime.
Is this thing on? 🎙
Some of you experienced an issue with the embedded podcast player on yesterday's reflection by Rachel Wong (it may have just been a black box—oops)! Here is the episode she was referring to from the Feminine Genius Podcast:
Feminine Genius Podcast
But what about Sundays?
Ah yes! The age-old "do Sundays count during Lent" debate. Before you jump to conclusions, here is a great one from Busted Halo on the matter:
Sundays do in fact count during Lent, “Lent is neither 40 days whether you count the Sundays or not. Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.” He points out that Sundays are still part of Lent. We still celebrate Mass during Lent, and the Sundays are classified in the Roman Missal as a “Sunday of Lent.”
So if we should still strive to maintain our Lenten commitments even on Sundays, does that mean The Harvest will post on Sundays as well? We gave this some thought ourselves and have concluded that, beyond Lent, Sundays are a day of rest and we shouldn't be harvesting on the Sabbath any more than you should be checking your email 😉
On that note, we will see you bright and early Monday morning!
A.M.D.G.