Franciscan Footprints

Well, we just finished with dinner and I have a few minutes till class so I thought I’d share a few things with you. This morning, as every Monday morning I volunteer at one of the hospitals that the Sisters own & operate-St. Francis Medical Center. I “work” in the Pediatric Physical Therapy dept. and mainly I do clerical work.(volunteering is part of my formation) Today I cataloged the books and DVDs that they will loan to parents with children with special needs. Mid way through my “work”(which I don’t think is work by the way) I stepped away from the desk and someone put a thank you card on it by the time I returned. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I never realized that I was appreciated-I got thank you’s and “we really like having you here” type of comments. I just never considered what I did there as significant. Just surprising I guess. It’s funny how the “small” things we do do not go by unnoticed.(like I thought they did) It’s a good thing to keep in mind in the spiritual life I think. Who was it that said something about doing small things with great love… St. Therese of Lisieux? Could be. In any case that is my mini refection for the day.

 Have a good one! 

At Mass this morning as I listened to the Readings and the homily of our chaplain I couldn’t help but reflect upon them. I thought about the Samaritans conversion in Acts. What would’ve happened if Phillip hadn’t gone to Samaria in the first place. The people wouldn’t have known the Good News. It makes me think of my own conversion story and how the example of a good friend was the catalyst for my own search for the Truth. I lost touch with that friend but he holds a special place in my heart. I am so grateful that God placed him in my life at that time.

Looking at the reading from 1 Peter I was thinking about the part that says “…Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;”(Vs. 15). It reminds me that each of us has a special role in evangilization-to be a light in the midst of darkness. Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus’ followers are to be the salt of the Earth… I don’t remember… I am taking a Bible class as part of my formation but we’ve only covered Genesis thru part of Numbers. If anyone knows where that is please feel free to leave a comment as it would be much appreciated…

(Vs. 18-19) “I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also.”
In the Gospel of John(above) it These two verses in John are comforting. It’s nice to know that God will not leave us… even as I sit here He is with me… and He lives in us all… Completely unfathomable. I don’t think that I will ever come to fully understand that. But it’s ok because there are some things you just take on faith.

Well, that’s all for now. I’ll try to make the posts more regular.

God bless and good night.

Jaimie

In these upcoming weeks, months, and years(God willing) I hope to share with you what life is like for me as I continue formation in this Franciscan community.  Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to make comments or ask questions.

Pax et Bonum!