Reflections for Advent

During the next few weeks, I would like to share some of the wisdom of St Francis with you.

St Francis is one of our best loved saints (1181-1226). He abandoned the comfortable life of a middle class Italian family to follow a radical Christian life; he embraced a life of poverty and humility. In 1223 Francis recreated a live nativity scene with all the sights, smells and sounds so he could gain a more accurate picture of the real significance of the birth of Jesus.

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The Will of God
Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me true faith, certain hope
and perfect charity,
sense and knowlege.
Lord, that I may carry out
Your holy and true command.
St Francis of Assisi

The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus . . . Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God, And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:30-38

Lord, like Mary, I am unsure what your call will require of me
in the next moment, tomorrow, or many years from now.
I ask you to strengthen my trust in You,
so that I may be your faithful servant in the world.

Ros