Other-Centered People

Dear Friend,

In our gospel (Mt 4:12-23) this weekend, we see that Jesus’ call is ultimately a call beyond ourselves. We live in a world that is constantly trying to get us to focus on self. In this gospel passage, we see Jesus calling the disciples beyond their own concerns. They have to leave their fishing nets behind in order to make some real changes. What is the gospel calling us to leave behind? Perhaps material things are bogging us down, but I also think attitudes can bog us down. Does arrogance not allow us to have compassion for others? Does selfishness not allow us to see where we need to change?

We believe at the Franciscan School of Theology (FST) that our mission is truly important. We strive to teach our students how to connect with others — through ministry and through the riches of our Franciscan tradition. We are bringing our Franciscan message of peace and joy primarily to our students who bring it to all God’s people throughout the world. We also place our message on the Internet and use YouTube and Zoom to give everyone access to the fruits of Franciscan theology and spirituality. We know that service is both at the heart of the Gospel and the message of St. Francis and St. Clare. Nothing could be more important.

FST desires to train new ministers for the Church who are other-centered people inspired by the Gospel. Our gospel (Mt 4:12-23) in the Third Week of Ordinary Time finishes as Jesus does three things: he went all around Galilee, he taught in synagogues, and he proclaimed the good news. As we unpack this, we see that Jesus met people where they were and focused on places where the Word of God could be broken open. Only other-centered people can do that. I ask for your prayers and support in training students for this endeavor.

Fr. Garrett Galvin OFM

Franciscan School of Theology