Next Phases

Dear Friend, 

Peace and all good be yours!

With this trademark greeting of Saint Francis, I echo my Brother George Camacho who wrote last week of the profession ceremony of our Secular Franciscan sisters and brother (see cover). And a terrific celebration it was. Before our eyes, and with hearts touched by prayer and music, we beheld the living growth and extension of the third branch of the Franciscan family tree first “sprouted” over 800 years ago, under the guiding words and work of Saint Francis himself. 

As George pointed out, with their public profession of commitment, new Franciscans enter the “next phase” of a Gospel journey. So true. On a Saturday morning in 1994 I made my own vows as a Franciscan friar here in the Mission Church. Since then, the next phases have never stopped.

Thankfully, our scriptures for this Sunday document and affirm the importance of “next phases” for all Christians. We hear of the discernment of the early church community as it identifies new roles and ministries for the first-ever deacons. Phases emerge in response to new needs and we are called to act. The second reading from Peter - named “rock” by Jesus -  invites us to see ourselves as “living stones” and as a priestly people built into a new form through the sacrifice (and sacrifices) of our own lives. The author might well have had in mind the words of Jesus in the Gospel: In my father’s house there are many dwelling places. Jesus is preparing the disciples for the time they will not have him present in the same way. 

Through every phase of life, we move with others - patiently, deliberately. To echo George once more, “may our loving witness continue to inspire our parish and the world beyond.”

Gratefully,

Father Dan ofm, Pastor