Secular Franciscan Order

We are all gifts from God!

When we return thanks, it is not just something we do at our Eucharistic liturgy, but something which is embedded in the daily life of our family. We
are reminded that every child is a gift from God. As parents, we not only give thanks to God for the gift of our children, but we must also give them back to God. Our return gift is not usually a one-time event, but a daily handing over of our dear children to God so that they can grow in body and spirit toward maturity.
Both Mary and Joseph experienced the awakening in their child Jesus to his life's direction. On the brink of adulthood, at the age of 12, the Jewish boy celebrates his bar mitzvah (that is "becoming one to whom the commandments apply") at age of 12, Jesus also takes responsibility for his vocation as a teacher of God's ways. Although Mary and Joseph do not quite understand what Jesus is up to, their love makes room for him to follow the path that will eventually take him away from home and family to his death, not far from this same Jerusalem temple.
In John's letter, it recalls that while we might now be parents ourselves, we must remain as children of God. We are all gifts from God, begotten in love and called to give back that love not only to God, but to one another. As we follow this path, we surely will become like our Father in heaven. Amen!
Let us remember that each one of us is God's own child -- a miracle of existence, and a revelation of life's great meaning. Truly -- every day is Christmas, and every child is a great joy for all people. Listen closely and hear the angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest heaven." Amen!

The Nativity of the Lord - Look Beyond the Manger!

It's no wonder that children love Luke's Christmas story. Why? Because it's told in simple language. For example, a husband and his expectant wife anxiously looking for a place to stay; a newborn baby lying in a manger; shepherds looking after their animals late at night; angels suddenly appearing in the sky with earth-shattering news. What drama, excitement and mystery! The child within each of us also responds to this thrilling story.
But the Christmas story has deeper resonance for adults -- and not only because it recalls happy child memories. All parents know that drama, excitement, and mystery are present in every birth. The first time you hold a new life, you experience a child of God in your arms. If you're not a parent, look around you in church. You may have seen a baby fussing in his mother's arms. Let us remember that each one of us is God's own child. That is why every day is Christmas and every child is "news of great joy for all the people."
So, look around, and only this time listen very closely and hear the angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest heaven!" Amen!
News Brief

The National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, in Orlando, Florida, has been named a minor basilica, becoming one of 63 basilicas in the United States and the third in Florida. The shrine was established 25 years ago as a place of worship and serves tourists visiting Walt Disney World and other attractions.