WHY WAS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SO INFLUENTIAL?

Описание: SERMON FOR THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI (DEACON AND FOUNDER OF THE 1ST, 2ND & 3RD FRANCISCAN FAMILY) ON FRIDAY OF THE 26TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE CHURCH'S LITURGICAL YEAR B (4/10/2024).Video created by Catholic Teachings Platform.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Galatians 6:14-18
Theme: The marks on my body are those of Jesus

– Summary and Explanation:

Summary: Paul speaks about boasting only in the cross of Jesus Christ, for it is through the cross that he has died to the world and the world to him. He emphasizes that external religious practices, like circumcision, hold no value in comparison to becoming a "new creation" in Christ. Paul asks for peace and mercy upon those who live by this truth, and he bears the "marks of Jesus" on his body as proof of his suffering for Christ.

Explanation: Paul dismisses the value of external religious markers (circumcision vs. uncircumcision) and stresses that what matters is inner transformation — becoming a new creation through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The “marks of Jesus” refer to the physical scars Paul has endured for spreading the Gospel. He emphasizes that living in alignment with the Spirit is the true way to live in peace and mercy.

General Message: The passage teaches that true Christian identity is found in embracing the cross of Christ and living as a transformed "new creation." Worldly distinctions or external rituals are secondary to inner spiritual renewal, which brings peace and mercy to those who follow.

Matthew 11:25-30
Theme: My yoke is easy and my burden light

– Summary and Explanation:

Summary: Jesus thanks God for revealing spiritual truths to those who are humble, like children, rather than the proud or intellectually wise. He invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising rest for their souls. Jesus presents Himself as gentle and humble, offering a light and manageable burden through His guidance.

Explanation: Jesus contrasts the hidden nature of spiritual understanding to the "wise" and "intelligent" with the openness of the humble. He invites people to take up His "yoke" — a metaphor for discipleship and following His teachings — which is described as light because Jesus' way is grounded in humility, gentleness, and spiritual rest.

General Message: This passage reminds us that spiritual truths are accessible to those with humility and openness, rather than pride. Jesus offers rest and peace for those who are burdened, teaching that His way of life — symbolized by the “yoke” — leads to spiritual ease and refreshment, contrasting with the heavy burdens of legalistic or worldly expectations.


Reflection:

Both passages focus on inner transformation over external practices and highlight the peace and rest found in following Christ. While Paul urges believers to live as new creations by embracing the cross, Jesus calls the weary to find rest in His gentle and humble way. Together, they emphasize that spiritual renewal, humility, and reliance on God lead to true peace and fulfillment.

#stfrancisassisi, #franciscanspirituality, #franciscanfamily,
#BoastInTheCross, #NewCreationInChrist, #SpiritualRenewal, #MarksOfJesus, #GodsMercyAndPeace, #HumilityAndRest, #GentleAndHumbleHeart, #SpiritualRestInJesus, #ComeToMeForRest, #LightBurdenOfChrist, #FaithInAction, #ChristianHumility, #PaulineTeachings, #JesusTeachesHumility, #SpiritualTruthsInFaith

The hymn 'All creatures of our God and King', an adaption of St. Francis of Assisi's (1182 - 1226) 'Canticle of the Sun' poem by William Draper (1855-1933), set to the tune LASST UNS ERFREUEN, a 17th-century German tune adapted by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 - 1958).

This was sung at the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, which took place at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 29th March 2022.
Disclaimer: I do not own the contents of this video, but merely overlay the text for the benefit of viewers.
YOUTUBE Video Link:    • All creatures of our God and King Hymn - W...  

#americanchurch #americancatholics #englishchristian #englishchurch #nigerianchurch #nigeriancatholics #englishcatholics #sundaysermons #dailysermon #christianmotivation #europeancatholics #africancatholics #catholichomilyreflectionfortoday #spirituality #catholicsermons #catholicsermons #inspirational #motivational #catholichomily #nigerianchurch #americancatholics #britishcatholics #viral #youtubeviral #homily #catholichomily #catholicsermons, #catholicteachings, #catholic,
#catholicism,