Franciscan Life
Franciscan life is a love story — with God, with the poor, with the earth, with the stranger. Rooted in the spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi, these posts explore what it means to embrace simplicity, kinship, and courageous countercultural choices in a world that constantly pushes the other direction. From returning land to Indigenous communities to the spirituality of dumpster diving to what the feast of St. Francis has to teach us today, this is a space for anyone drawn to the Franciscan way — whether you’ve taken vows or are just beginning to feel its pull.
The story in the world’s heart
There is an ancient story that is our common heartbeat. It speaks to us, deeply, quietly and simply; its whispers are heard in…
An Advent song for our age
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said,…
Mercy-ing as a form of resistance
We pray in the dark during these Advent days while we wait for the coming of the Light, of love enfleshed. The darkness is everywhere…
An American Dream
“An individual dies when they cease to be surprised. I am surprised every morning when I see the sunshine again. When I see an act…
The Advent wreath
I’m trying this again. I’m trying the traditional route of Advent. Growing up there were certain traditions my family definitely participated in. We hung stockings…
Thanksgiving for Messy Jesus Business’ 5th Birthday!
It is amazing to me that it is nearly Messy Jesus Business‘ 5th Birthday! Thanks be to God that I listened to the encouragement of…
They have guns, but we have flowers—a modern beatitude
The beatitudes have been called Jesus’ version of the Ten Commandments. They sum up the heart of his message, point us in the right direction,…
Moving for God: The dilemma of diversity
There’s the classic clip-art picture of children representative of every race, nation and language joined together and singing songs of world peace. And then, many…