Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Ann Spanjers continues to share videos on St. Francis of Assisi’s Spirituality of Discernment. How creative are we in responding to God’s direction in our lives? Learn more.
If this series is helpful, Sister Mary Ann is sharing Eucharist “Adoration to Action’ presentation/reflection to young adults with a Franciscan Friar throughout the country and would enjoy scheduling that experience for you. Call Sister Mary Ann at 920-9320-1627 or email smaryannsp@fscc-calledtobe.org.
Transcription
Franciscan Discernment VII May 2025
“Go Rebuild My Church, it is Falling into Ruins” (Jesus to St. Francis)
St Francis had renounced his title as his wealthy Father’s son, had returned the money and clothes that belonged to his father and was wearing a beggars cloak with a rope around his waist. He returned many times to the broken-down church of San Damiano, where he spent many hours praying before the crucifix asking Jesus what he was to do with his life. One day during this prayer Francis heard Jesus tell him, “Go rebuild my Church, it is falling into ruins” Francis looked around and saw how broken down the church was, he said, Yes Lord I will repair your Church. He now had the dilemma of how to fund his new construction project. G.K Chesterton wrote, “He had chosen to be poor, and he would remain poor. The poor have two says of providing for their needs: they can work or they can beg. Francis was not afraid of work. On the contrary, he wanted to work as hard as he possibly could. Begging is a form of humiliation and also an opportunity to inspire others to charity. Francis was to use both means alternatively and at the same time.
One market day, he appeared in his hermit’s habit and began to sing in the midst of the crowd like a troubadour of God. And when he had finished his son, he moved among his dumfounded hearers, saying: “Whoever gives me a stone will receive reward in heaven, whoever gives me two stones will receive two, and whoever gives me three stones will receive three! He explained to everyone that these stones would be used to rebuild the Church of San Damiano. Naturally there were some who laughed and others who scoffed. Francis laughed with them. But, according to an early account, there were other who were moved to tears.” People remembered what Francis had been and they were amazed at what he had becomes. The stones began to pour in. When anyone stopped to watch him, he would call out to the passer-by: Come on over and help me rebuild the Church of great San Damiano”
How creative are we in responding to God’s direction in our lives? Do we rely on the gifts God has given us to “get the job done”? My new mission/obedience this year has been to invite young adults’ men and women to get to know more about our Franciscan life, how to follow the Gospel of Jesus in our world today! I love to teach, I love theology, the Holy Spirit inspired me and Sister Julie Ann with whom I share this mission, to create a presentation/reflection called, The Eucharist, From Adoration to Action” using Franciscan Spirituality! I feel like St. Francis in many ways; I am inviting young adults to “come to a Franciscan community of Sisters or Brothers to help rebuild the Church!
I would so enjoy coming to your young adult group with one of my Franciscan Friar friends to share this presentation/reflection with you! It is all about discovering, like St Francis did, that God is in love with you and inviting you to spend your life walking with Jesus in rebuilding His Church! (Photo: Michael McLean, YCP Chicago)
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