With Saint Francis

 

 

 

Clare was a see-er; the Lord reached her through the things she looked at. But Francis was a hear-er and the Lord spoke to him through this icon, saying, rebuild my church.

The Lord is not silent, he has spoken from the cross to me, too. I hear with my ears the words he says to me.

Father, forgive them they don't know what they are doing. ^{Lk 23} Jesus remember me when you enter into your kingdom 

Don't worry, I will. Today you will be with me in paradise. ^{Lk 23}

Woman, here is your son - here is your mother. ^{Jn 19}

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? ^{Mt 27}

I'm thirsty
Father, I place my life in your hands. ^{Lk 23}

It's done...complete. ^{Jn 19}

Which of these words speaks to me, now?

Now I hear with my understanding.
The Lord's word echoes in my mind, it becomes my word, now:
one does not know anything until one has acted upon it.

Finally I hear with my heart.
The word comes alive in me. I ponder, as the gospel tells us Mary pondered - the Gospels don't say that Mary got an answer.
Desire is prayer.
Desire is love.

 

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