Franciscan Quote of the Day

Holiness is not limited to the sanctuary or to moments of private prayer; it is a call to direct our whole heart and life toward God and according to God’s plan for this world. For the laity holiness is achieved in the midst of the world, in family, in community, in friendships, in work, in leisure, in citizenship.

~ United States Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy

Shun idleness remember that time flies and returns no more, that you have but one soul, and if you lose it you lose all.

~ St. Leonard of Port Maurice, OFM

Those brothers to whom the Lord has given the grace of working may work faithfully and devotedly so that, while avoiding idleness, the enemy of the soul, they do not extinguish the Spirit of holy prayer and devotion to which all temporal things must contribute.

~St. Francis of Assisi, The Later Rule

Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the Cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes. There is his commission, there is his work.

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer, via OH……….. FRANCESCO

The humility and gratitude that arise from acknowledging God as the source of all good gifts should lead us to freely share those gifts with others. Hoarding our talents, resources, and power for our own good or glory is an injustice. Francis calls us to use our gifts wisely, serving God and others through good works.

~Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith by Daniel Horan OFM

If we mean by what is practical what is most immediately practicable, we mean merely what is easiest. In that sense St. Francis was very impractical, and his ultimate aims were very unworldly. But if we mean by practicality a preference for prompt effort and energy over doubt or delay, he was very practical indeed.

~G.K. Chesterton, Saint Francis of Assisi

The Preacher: Meantime, why don’t you put me to work?

Hull Barret: Oh no, I couldn’t ask you to, uh… Well, I mean, ya know – maybe if there was somethin’ spiritual.

The Preacher: Well, that Spirit ain’t worth spit without a little exercise. Now you tell me where.

~Pale Rider (1985)