Palm Sunday. March 24, 2013 Assisi

The beauty, simplicity and even pageantry of the Liturgy swept me up in its spirit. The palms were from olive trees and were blessed by the bishop of Assisi in front of the Church of Santa Maria , which was formerly the temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. The building predates Christ.
We then processed up to the cathedral of San Rufino where the Mass was celebrated. Even though I didn't understand the language , the events of the Passion surfaced in my mind and the words, "forgive them Father they know not what they do." A life that lacks prayer and reflection is a life in which we become oblivious to our actions and demeanor. Much if the pain and suffering in life occurs because we "know not what we do." We often fail to think through decisions and plans, acting on impulse or with little thought.

Jesus knew exactly what HE was doing, by accepting the way of rejection and suffering on his shoulders. His Cross IS very heavy for it "carries" each one of us.
I use the present tense: the crucifixion is happening every moment because the event transcends time and place. The cross if Christ is very much "alive" in the suffering of the poor, the ill, the alienated , the despised and rejected , the abused
and neglected and in all of us whose lives are empty and seem to lack meaning. Every human being who lived, is living or will is with Christ in His Heart on that cross. Mercy and forgiveness are the balm that begins the slow process of transformation that breath Easter.

I write this in the lower basilica at the tomb of st. Francis. A beautiful quiet place to reflect on the Passion and Holy Week. The countless numbers of people are passing me by, pausing at the massive rock tomb, saying a prayer. Each one has a "story" that weaves in and out of Passion and Resurrection. Each one if us can become so oblivious to the Mystery out very lives were immersed in when we were baptized. And so we know not what we do....

Francis spoke to me in prayer a few days ago saying "Peace, brother," an Easter message to be lived and passed on. Buen camino. Francesco.

The photos are from the procession and tomb

Sant Rufino: The Church of St. Francis' Baptism

In October of 1182, Francis was baptized in the baptismal font, shown in attached photo. Who could possibly my have known that when that to y baby was immersed in the waters of baptism, his destiny would one of humble greatness. Talk about an oxymoron! Francis, himself, said that he was destined for greatness.
His life began by being immersed in the waters of Christ's death and resurrection and his life marked a gradual transformation into being one with Christ in a way never l known before or seen since.
Francis ended his life by being so configured to Christ, in his deep love for Christ's Passion, that he was " marked" or pierced by the five wounds of the crucifixion : the Stigmata. As he lie dying he asked to be stripped completely naked and be placed on the bare earth which he loved so much. The softness of the dirt eased his tremendous pain. He died during the evening of October 3/4 on the bare earth just in his mid forties.
When you see Francis , you see Christ. The message if Francis: we are ALL called to mirror Christ. This can only happen by a reckless, lavish, and foolish Love.

But Love can be very painful, as you all know through your own experience. It demands a complete emptying of the self, allowing one to be wounded and "pierced" in spirit. To be configured to Christ means surrendering to God's work as the Sculptor, chiseling away at all that disfigures us and the work of art we are meant to become.

But the JOY, the absolute joy and ecstasy to allow this to happen and live freely in true freedom as a child of God. Francis showed us a way that can never be duplicated , nor should it. God has different plans and a different sculpture for each one of us.

Easter is the great Promise that we will emerge from God's artistic and divine touch as a New Creation. Christ. Risen. Alive. Forever. With ALL!!
Blessed Easter.
Buen camino. Francesco.

Scenes from Assisi: Where Heaven and Earth Kiss. March 22, 2013

The gospel today reflects the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. It all books down to this: they have a deep problem with Jesus NOT because he does many marvelous acts and reached out to the poor but because he identifies himself with God the Father.
Blasphemy!! To believe that Jesus was a great prophet and a holy man in whom God worked miracles us fairly easy. To believe he is also God, here is where the problem begins and ends. It remains so even today.

I write this little homily sitting outside San Pietro, a small church in Assisi. As I have already mentioned , the presence of Francis is palpable. Francis became another Christ, receiving the Stigmata, which are the five wounds of Christ on his hands, feet and side precisely because he BELIEVED in the core of his being that Jesus was the Christ , the Son of the Living God.

Assisi, for me, is the most spiritual place I have ever been to. Yes, to use a phrase from the psalms, heaven and earth "embrace" here, but I would say "kiss " because of the deep intimacy encountered here. God IS our Lover. Once again, just read the Song of Songs in the Old Testament.
And he gave us the gift of Eucharist, the Sacred Meal that transforms bread and wine into his Body and Blood. We feed on his Presence and this Food draws us into the Trinity. We , too, are transformed , no less than Francis , if we allow, into Christ, Bread for the Poor.

When following Francis and being in Assisi it is so easy to believe that Christ is in the Father and the Father is in Him. And the love between them is the Spirit.
You are all in my prayers. Buen camino. Padre Francesco

Relics of St. Francis. March 21,2013

While walking through Assisi I know that Francis is leading me, or perhaps following me to support me when I stumble. When leaving the main road through the town, one enters a labyrinth of tiny streets and cul de sacs. When walking a labyrinth one journeys toward the center, who is God. In Assisi, these labyrinths always lead to the main road, "the way."

I make my way to the lower basilica to pray before the relics if st Francis : his tunic, habit, slippers, cincture or cord , the actual written rule of Francis, a portion if his actual ashes. These tangible objects simply remind me that Francis walked these same pathways I am walking. Francis is real. The labyrinths he walked led him to follow Christ is the most radical way.
In falling more in love with Christ I have felt closer to Francis as ever. I love this'd saint , this man, this follower of Christ.
Whole my name may be the same God does not me or anyone else to be Francis or Clare or Teresa. One of each of these great saints is enough. God needs YOU to become the saint that he wants you to become. Francis and Teresa and all the rest of the recognized, canonized saints are guides and intercessors. There are countless more saints. YOU are one of them.

Francis, Teresa, Ignatious, John of the Cross are my personal guides. Without them I would be lost. This great Communion of Saints is one of the greatest Treasures of the Catholic faith. We need these holy men and women to remind us that the "Way" of Jesus is truly possible.

In today's gospel, the leaders just couldn't see in and through the humanity of Jesus the One sent by the Father. Can you blame them? After all,he did look ordinary and came from an ordinary family. What was missing for these leaders was a softened heart to "see" things, people and the world in an entire new light. "If today you hear his voice harden not your
hearts, " says the psalmist.
A question we must all ask , "what is the condition of my spiritual heart...is it soft so God can enter,reshape and refashion, or is it hard, making it impossible for God to transform?
Francis is giving me the courage to ask the question. The answer....
Buen camino. Francesco

Assisi

I would everyone to know that I will be spending a week of prayer by myself on Assisi starting on march 20. I want to use this time to pray for other, for YOU and any special intention. I can't be any closer to you than while in prayer.

Assisi had been for me a special place where heaven and earth embrace. The presence of Francis us tangible and intimate. Praying here comes quoted naturally.

If you would like me to pray for a special
need, let me know through this blog or let dean know so that he can email me your request. As Isaiah said in today 's first reading, "remember not the events of the past; the things of long ago consider not. See I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"
It is only when rooted in a life of prayer that we are able to "perceive" that God is indeed doing something new through our own lives. Buen camino. Padre Francesco.

Throwing Stones. March 17, 2013

We frequently look to the woman caught in adultery and feel deep anger at the manner in which she is treated. And the image of Jesus embracing her in her alienation and loving her is compelling and beautiful. But sometimes we fail to focus on those with the stones in clenched fists ready to pounce on a woman caught in adultery.

I decided to put myself in the minds of those men with the stones. What was the "mindset" which would cause them to want to kill another human being simply for sinning in an obviously sexual manner?
Granite, their actions were rooted in the Law which mandated that a woman caught in adultery should be stoned. And where was the man? Of course the Law was grounded in a belief that women were inferior to men, much better seen in subservience to men.

We hear this gospel proclaimed and we rightfully cringe at the inequality that is being displayed. But let's focus on the mindset of the men holding or clenching the stones.

Their first inclination was to exclude the woman by taking her away from her community and isolating her in a particular interpretation of the Law. They were right; she is wrong. They are righteous and pure; she is a terrible sinner and impure. I can't help but believe that their " mindset" is alive and well in our own enlightened , 21st century mentality. We clench our fists around invisible stones of judgement. And can we throw them.

The current discourse in religion and politics has much stone throwing on all sides and by very smart people. We do what has been done since time immemorial : we demonized the one with whom we disagree by casting or throwing stones, so that we discredit and even demonize the "opponent." We want to exclude no less than those angry men in the gospel. Our methods are not physically violent but they are very damaging, and some might even say they are psychologically violent.

Jesus makes a simple comment that must ring true in our own ears today: if you have never sinned, go and cast the first stone. With that one sentence, our fists open up, the "stone" falls down and we take our place next to that woman writing with her finger in the dry dust of the earth.
Buen camino. Padre Francis

Habemus Papam. We Have a Pope. March 14, 2013

What a night ! I stood right in the center beneath the window of papal blessing waiting to see the smoke coming out of the chimney stack above the Sistine Chapel as black. We all thought it was going to be a bit longed. But the Spirit had other things in mind.

When the smoke , massive amounts, poured out the chimney as white smoke, we just erupted, screamed, clapped and hugged. An amazing moment that I was privileged to witness, one that will be.forever a part of my own "camino" of faith. While this moment of new leadership in our church means little to so many, it has untold meaning for just as many others. I thought I was going to live through this papal event non plussed , not really caring about its impact. But God had other plans for me. My journey through Spain was meant to end up beneath that window in St. Peter's Square on march 13, 2013.

When the name was announced, all I heard was "francescum" the Latin for "Francis " and my heart and its pessimism melted away; my spirit emerged. I have been dreaming of seeing a pope with a Franciscan heart for most of my priesthood. And a Jesuit to boot!!!!!! This concoction couldn't get any better for me. Somehow I was soaring above the crowd wanting to personally bless the one who asked nearly 200,000people to bless him, a first in papal history.

I know little about him except that he refused to use a limo to get him to work but used public transportation ; he refused to have a cook but cooks his own meals; he refused to life in the bishop's "palace" preferring a simple apartment.; he loves the poor and is a man of justice. This is the best resume a new pope could possibly have.

I am happy he chose the name "Francis " not because that happens to be my name, but because he chose the name of the greatest saint in the Catholic Church. To all my beloved Jesuit friends , the Francis he chose does NOT refer to
Francis Xavier , the famous Jesuit saint! That was made clear by the Vatican this morning. He chose the poor one from Assisi as his namesake.

I am filled with joy for the people of Argentina and for the entire Church. A breath if fresh air has filled the Body of Christ with the Spirit of Hope. Will everyone be as happy as I am at the election of Pope Francis? Obviously not. But I hope all will at least give him a chance and pray for his mission. I know many will be thinking that I am setting myself up for a major letdown. But I truly don't think so.

Ironically I planned a week retreat in Assisi beginning on march 20 long before Benedict even resigned. This was to wrap up my sabbatical. I leave for my retreat the day after Francis is installed as our new Pope, which is March 19, the Feast of st Joseph, patron of Italy and the Universal Church. This day is traditionally a Holyday in all of Italy. In honor of the Holyday and pope Francis and st Francis and the people of st Teresa of Avila parish, the best people in the world ... I am going to fill up on pasta and canolis!! How I wish I had some Peeps to complete the moment. Buen camino from cloud nine. Padre

Black Smoke. March 12, 2013

Stood for two hours waiting for the gutsy ballot to be burned. In the photo you can barely see the black smoke: it is center of photo , one inch down from the top. It was an second sight watching the smoke billowing out of the chimney.

The piazza was filled with people looking to Sistine chapel. So far, no Pope.

The Conclave Begins. March 12, 2013

Just read a beautiful quote from this morning's Office of Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours: "If God is love, charity should know no limit, for God cannot be confined." This was written centuries ago by Pope Leo the Great. I am about to cheer on the American cardinals as they go to St. Peter's to celebrate a public Mass praying for strength and guidance as they enter the conclave.

This quote is so appropriate for the great task they are being called to accomplish. The next pope will do well to make charity the foundation of his papacy and to remember that God cannot be confined. This is a quote for every follower of Jesus and should be the foundation of our discipleship.

God is forever a mystery to be encountered and in this encounter, we are changed. Our own hearts should never be "confined" by our own ego and selfishness. I carry all of you in my heart for you remind me if my calling and in this remembrance my heart is enlarged.

Along with over 200 seminarians and countless reporters the cardinals have emerged to board the bus that will take them to St. Peter 's for the mass to begin the conclave. As the bus passed,I saw cardinal George and gave him a thumbs up. He returned by giving me the thumbs up sign. I was actually moved to see him and the other cardinals be applauded as they left. Cardinal Dolan from New York personally waved to me; can he work the crowds.
I am standing I along line waiting to get into St. Peter's for the mass. The atmosphere is unbelievably exciting and joyful. I am sensing that there are people from countless nations and walks of life. The many young people gives me a boost of encouragement.

I made it inside the basilica nearly a third of the way from the altar and I have a seat!!! On the aisle!!! Couldn't be better. The mass is called, The Holy Mass For The Election of the Roman Pontiff." After the liturgy the cardinals gather wherever and they will process from the chapel of St. Paul to the Sistine chapel. After they have all entered, the dean of the. College of Cardinals shuts the door of the chapel and locks the cardinals inside, hence, "conclave" meaning "with key."

They will make a solemn oath of secrecy, read the rules of conclave and election process and make the first vote around 5 pm. Unless there is a two-thirds majority, the ballots will be burned in such a way that BLACK smoke billows out of the little chimney pipe extending from the roof of the chapel. Each day there are two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon. They only burn the ballots after the second vote so there are only two times each day for the smoke to be seen. Once a Cardinal received the necessary majority he is asked if he accepts. Once he agrees, he becomes pope and the Cardinals each approach him promising their obedience. The ballots are burned with chemicals to assure that the smoke is WHITE. To avoid any confusion as to the color of the smoke, a signal is given to peal the bells of St. Peter's. A joyful sign that we have a pope.

The head of the cardinals than opens the balcony doors above the main entryway of the basilica and announces , " Habemus Papam", which means "we have a pope."
And then the newly electric pope's name is announced and he is welcomed to the world.

I am giving my limited knowledge of all the proceedings regarding the election of a pope. There appear to be two factions among the cardinals: those who want a status quo candidate but who will address the scandals (these are led mainly by the Italians ) and those who feel we need a fresh new leader to usher in a new enthusiasm for evangelization. I'm praying for cardinal o'malley or cardinal Dolan or the cardinal from brazil or the one from the Philippines. None of my choices has any chance. But I can still dream.

The mass was quiet, beautiful and prayerful. Not a bad combination. Perhaps a good omen for a Spirit-filled conclave. Buen camino. Padre