LENT—HAVE YOU GIVEN UP ON GIVING UP?

BY: SUSAN VOGT

A year ago, I was facing Lent—again. I was ready to repeat the routine of what I usually do for Lent: no sweets or complaining, extra prayer, and the usual fasting and abstinence. I realized, though, that I wasn’t growing or being challenged. I decided to find a practice that would remind me daily of this penitential season and join me to Jesus’ sacrifice of his life for others.

What if I gave away one thing a day for the 40 days of Lent? I wanted to live a simpler lifestyle both for spiritual reasons—“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic’” (Luke 9:3)—and also to declutter my life.

I decided to take this on as a challenge and a sacrifice—hoping it would clean out not only my closets, but also my heart and soul. This kind of sacrifice may not appeal to—or be appropriate for—everyone, but it may prompt you to consider what you can give up for Lent that will make more of a difference than losing a few pounds.

The plan

I started my Lenten giveaway with shoes. I thought this would be easy since I’m not a big collector of shoes—or so I thought. According to Soles4Souls (www.soles4souls.org), the average American owns 13 pairs of shoes. I figured I was under that and could go lower. Wrong. When I added up all my shoes (including slippers and boots), it came to 30 pairs. I was horrified! I pruned it down to 13, but I’m not happy about being average.

I moved on to clothes. I had many clothes that I seldom wear now that I work at home. I discovered that I had enough extras to give more than one thing away a day and could go by categories.

I started with the letter S—shirts, skirts, suits, slacks, sweaters and scarves—and gathered up all the old-fashioned, in need of repair or makes-me-look-fat clothes. I pulled out about seven extra items for each “S” and created breathing room in my closet. I was feeling pretty good about this pruning but ran into a problem.

What do I do with all this stuff?

At first I just collected my intended giveaways in a corner. It didn’t make sense to drive to St. Vincent de Paul every day. But then my stuff started overflowing and getting in the way.

In addition to giving things to charities, neighbors and friends, I discovered Freecycle (www.freecycle.org) and Vietnam Veterans of America (www.pickupsforvets.org) who pick up at your home. My most satisfying experience, however, was trying to get rid of an adult potty seat, the one item not claimed in my “Free Yard Sale.” A woman going to visit an elderly neighbor saw the seat and said, “The lady I’m visiting could use that!” She picked it up and went on her happy way.

The results

Hardest thing to give away: Privacy and time. We agreed to have a homeless family live with us while they were in crisis. It was a leap of faith since we weren’t sure if the weeks would merge into months.

Moriah, Tabor, Calvary: Darkness Can Be Radiant

By Father Thomas Rosica, CSB

2/7/2012

Zenit News Agency (www.zenit.org)

TORONTO (Zenit) - Moriah. Sinai. Nebo. Carmel. Horeb. Gilboa. Gerizim. Mount of Beatitudes. Tabor. Hermon. Zion. Mount of Olives. Calvary. Golgotha. Mountains are often used in the Bible as the stages of important encounters between God and his people. Though we may have never visited the lands of the Bible, we are all familiar with these biblical mountains and the great events of our salvation history that took place there.

Today's Old Testament and Gospel reading take place on two important biblical mountains-- Mount Moriah and Mount Tabor. Both readings give us profound insights into our God and his Son, Jesus, who is our Savior. First let us consider the story of the sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham as portrayed in Genesis 22:1-19. The story is called the Akedah in Hebrew (Anglicization of the Aramaic word for "binding") and it easily provokes scandal for the modern mind: What sort of God is this who can command a father to kill his own son?

How many pagan voices were assailing Abraham at this moment? What would a contemporary father do if he were to be called on to sacrifice his only son to God? He would be thought mad if he even considered it -- and unfaithful to God as well. What a poignant story indeed! "Take your son, your only son Isaac whom you love ... and offer him as a burnt offering. ... So Abraham rose early in the morning." Because Abraham listened to the Lord's messenger, his only son's life was spared. The binding of Isaac, then, is a symbol of life, not death, for Abraham is forbidden to sacrifice his son.

What happens on Mount Moriah finds an echo in what happens atop Mount Tabor and Mount Calvary in the New Testament: The mounts Moriah, Tabor and Calvary are significant places of vision in the Bible. For on these peaks, we see a God who never abandons us in our deepest despair, terror and death. God is with us through thick and thin, through day and night.

These mountains teach us that it is only when we are willing to let go of what we love most and cherish most in this life, to offer it back to God, the giver of all good gifts, that we can ever hope to receive it back in ways we never dreamed of or imagined. Only then will we experience resurrection, healing, consoling light and new life.

We can only speculate on what lies behind the story of the Transfiguration -- one of the Gospel's most mysterious and awesome visions (Mark 9:2-8; Matthew 17:1-8; Luke 9:28-36). Peter, James and John had an overwhelming experience with the Lord on Mount Tabor. Following the night of temptation and preceding the blackness of Golgotha, the glorious rays of the Transfiguration burst forth. Before their eyes, the Jesus they had known and with whom they walked became transfigured. His countenance was radiant; his garments streaming with white light. At his side, enveloped in glory, stood Moses, the mighty liberator, who had led Israel out of slavery, and Elijah, the greatest of Israel's prophets.

Jesus needed the light and affirmation of the mountaintop experience in his own life. In the midst of his passion predictions, he needed Mount Tabor, to strengthen him as he descended into the Jordan Valley and made his way up to Jerusalem. For every disciple since, it is the same. Those who follow Jesus must ascend the mountain to catch a glimpse of the mystery of God's presence in our world and in our lives.

And yet Mark's story of Jesus transfigured reminds us that gazing in contemplation is not enough. The disciples are told to listen to Jesus, the Beloved of God, and then return to their daily routine down in the valley.

The awesome Gospel story of the Transfiguration gives us an opportunity to look at some of our own mountaintop experiences. How have such experiences shed light on the shadows and darkness of life? What would our lives be without some of these peak experiences? How often do we turn to those few but significant experiences for strength, courage and perspective? How has the mountaintop experience enabled us to listen more attentively to God's voice -- a voice calling us to fidelity and authenticity in our belief? When we're down in the valley we often can't see Christ's glory.

The most consoling message of the Transfiguration is perhaps for those who suffer, and those who witness the deformation of their own bodies and the bodies of their loved ones. Even Jesus will be disfigured in the passion, but will rise with a glorious body with which he will live for eternity and, faith tells us, with which he will meet us after death.

So many voices assail us that we find it difficult to listen to God's voice. Before light envelops us, we need to go through darkness. Before the heavens open up, we need to go through the mud and dirt. We must experience both mountains -- Tabor and Golgotha -- in order to see the glory of God. The Transfiguration teaches us that God's brilliant life included death, and there is no way around it -- only through it.

It also reminds us that the terrifying darkness can be radiant and dazzling. During moments of transfiguration, God penetrates the hardened, incredulous, even disquieting regions within us, about which we really do not know what to do, and he leaves upon them the imprint of his own face, in all its radiant and dazzling glory and beauty.

During moments of transfiguration, God penetrates the hardened, incredulous, even disquieting regions within us, about which we really do not know what to do, and he leaves upon them the imprint of his own face, in all its radiant and dazzling glory and beauty.

* * *

Basilian Father Thomas Rosica is a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and the chief executive officer of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and Television Network in Canada. He can be reached at: rosica@saltandlighttv.org.

Following in his Footsteps.....

And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

(Mark 15:2)

I am sure all you at one time or another have sat in a class or presentation in area where you would not be noticed, in hopes if they should ask a question or for volunteers, you would not be chosen..

Come on, admit it!

I know I have. It is those moments when I don’t want to be noticed is when the beacon of light finds it way to me, and you know the rest.

If I can think of someone who may I have felt this way was Simon of Cyrene. The beacon of light shined on him the day of Christ’s passion walk and he was chosen. He did not realize that what he thought was a burden turned out to be a great gift. He lightened up the load for our beloved Christ!

How many crosses do you carry daily?

We all carry crosses, some heavier than others but we know through Christ’s passion and resurrection, we do not carry them alone. Jesus is right there holding up the weight of our burdens and guiding us along the way. If we look carefully we are surrounded by Simon’s.

Who are the Simon’s in your life?

Is it a good friend who is a great listener?

Is it the smile of a stranger, when you are feeling alone? Who is it? Who are you a Simon to? Lent is a wonderful opportunity to look at our daily crosses a bit differently and seek those beacons of light on the Simon’s in your life.

Frances

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Beloved National Family,

At the last International Chapter in October in Brazil, The Official Name of our Order document was introduced, voted upon and approved.
You will see in the official document the words "Secular Franciscan Order" are still used when referring to our Order in English, and "Secular Franciscans" is still used when referring to us. I also give you these exact words in an email from Doug Clorey, who many of us know from previous (CIOFS) visitations:

"Document on the 'Name of the Order' should be released shortly in a circular from our Minister General. This document was presented to the General Chapter in Brazil, voted and approved. Doug Clorey, ofs, Vice-Minister General, Secular Franciscan Order Note that Doug, our Order's Vice-Minister General, is still a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. When we use English, we are still the Secular Franciscan Order, not the Order of
Franciscan Seculars or whatever. We remain Secular Franciscans, not Franciscan Seculars, when we use English. What has changed is that Doug is now, in English, when he uses the initials after his name, is Doug Clorey, OFS not SFO.

Again, I am absolutely certain that OFS or SFO does not make me or you or Doug any more or less Franciscan. We are still permanently professed. Our Order is still, in English, the Secular Franciscan Order.
Peace and Love in this New Year with our new language changes! The substance remains.

Tom Bello, OFS
National Minister

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

I received the following message from our National Minister, Deacon Tom Bello, this morning.
It is the clarification of the name of our Order and the post-nomial designation which we are all to use, henceforth.

The discussion came up at our National Chapter as a result of the information received from
the recent General Chapter meeting. There was some confusion and a need for clarification
which apparently has been received.

The bottom line is we, in English are still called the Secular Franciscan Order. However, the
post-nomial "SFO", can no longer be used. Instead, we must all defer to the Latin usage,
OFS.

So, henceforth, we must all refer to ourselves in writing our names, as John Smith, OFS or
Mary Smith, OFS. "SFO" is no longer to be used.

Fraternally,
Ron Pihokker, OFS
Regional Minister

The Crucifix of San Damiano





The History of the San Damiano Crucifix

An unknown Umbrian artist painted the Crucifix Icon in the 12th Century. There is strong Syrian influence, and history tells us that there had been some Syrian monks in the area.

It is painted on wood (walnut) to which cloth had been glued. It is about 190 cm high, 120 cms wide and 12 cms thick. It is more than likely it was painted for San Damiano to hang over the Altar as the Blessed Sacrament was not reserved in non Parish Churches of those times and especially those that had been abandoned and neglected as we know San Damiano had been. In 1257 the Poor Clares left San Damiano for San Giorgio and took the Crucifix with them. They carefully kept the Cross for 700 years.

In Holy Week of 1957, it was placed on public view for the first time over the new Altar in San Giorgio's Chapel in the Basilica of St Clare of Assisi.

The Icon of the Transfigured Christ

For Eastern Christians the Icon is a representation of the living God, and by coming into its presence it becomes a personal encounter with the sacred, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. The San Damiano Icon is then a personal encounter with the transfigured Christ - God made man. The Crucifix contains the story of the death, resurrection and ascension into glory. It expresses the total and universal Paschal Mystery of Christ. It invites us all to take part in it with a lively and lived faith, just as St Francis did. Christ's saving death is shown in John's Gospel in its serene majesty, and this Crucifix portrays this in picture form. It is not surprising that Saint Francis was attracted to this Icon and that the inspiration for his life came from this Christ who spoke to him "Go repair my Church ... ".


The Figure of the Christ
The central figure of the icon is Christ, not only because of the relative size, but because Christ is a figure of light dominating the scene and giving light to the other figures "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. " (John 8:12). Christ stands upright, not nailed. The eyes of Jesus are open: He looks out to the world, which He has saved. He is alive, the one who is eternal. Jesus' vestment is a simple loin cloth - a symbol of both High Priest and Victim. The chest, throat and neck are very strong, Jesus gives power of re-creation to His Disciples (John 22:23). He breathed on His Disciples (John 20:22), the Greek word used recalls the moment of Creation (Gen 2:7). The shadow over the face of Jesus is increased by the fact the halo and face are tilted forward on the original Icon. The humanity of Christ veils the true glory of the Word who lives in the super illuminous darkness of the Godhead. Behind the outstretched arms of Christ is His empty tomb, shown as a black rectangle.
 

               

   The Medallion and Inscription.

The Ascension is portrayed within this circle of red: Christ is breaking out of the circle, holding a golden cross which is now His Royal Scepter. His garments are gold - a symbol of royalty and victory. His red scarf is a sign of His Dominion and Kingship; exercised in love. Angels welcome Him into Heaven. IHS are the first three letters of the name of Jesus. The little bracket above indicates it is shorthand. NAZARE is the Nazarene; REX is' king' and IUDEORUM is 'of the Jews', which is reported in St John's Gospel "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"

The Hand of the Father           

From within the semi-circle at the very top of the Icon, He whom no eye has seen reveals Himself in a benediction. This blessing is given by the right hand of God with the finger extended - the Holy Spirit. The Father gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to all because of the merits of the Christ's Passion.



The Mystical Vine

Around the Cross are various calligraphic scrolls which may signify the mystical vine "I am the vine, you are the branches... " (John 15), which also contain the words "Greater love has no one than this, that one lays down one 's life for one friends ". At the base of the cross there seems to be a section that looks like a rock - the symbol of the Church. The seashells are symbols of eternity - a mystery hidden in the vast and timeless sea of eternity is revealed.

Mary and John

As in John's Gospel, Mary and John are placed side by side. Mary's mantle is white meaning victory (Rev 3:5), purification (Rev 7:14); and good deeds (Rev 19:8). The gems on the mantle refer to the graces of the Holy Spirit.

The dark red worn under the mantic indicate intense love, while the inner dress is purple - the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 26: 1-4).
Mary's left hand is raised to her cheek - her acceptance and love of John, and her right hand points to John while her eyes proclaim acceptance of Christ's words "Woman, behold your son... " (John 19:26). The blood drips on to John at this moment. John's mantle is rose color indicating eternal wisdom, while his tunic is white - purity. His position is between Jesus and Mary as is fitting for the disciple loved by both of them. He looks at Mary "Son, behold your Mother", but points to Christ.

Numbers

There are 33 figures in the Icon - Two Christ figures, 1 Hand of the Father, 5 major figures, 2 smaller figures, 14 angels, 2 unknown at His hands, 1 small boy, 6 unknown at the bottom of the Cross and one rooster. There are 33 nail heads along the frame just inside the shells and seven around the halo.

The Other Major Figures:

Mary Magdalene.

Mary Magdalene is next to Christ making her very special; her hand is on her chin indicating a confided secret "He is risen ". She wears scarlet, which is a symbol of love; her mantle of blue deepens this.

Mary Clopas.

Some authorities make her the mother of James. She wears garments of an earthen color a symbol of humility, and her light green mantle - hope. Her admiration of Jesus is indicated by the gesture of her hand.

The Centurion of Capernaum.

He holds a piece of wood in his left hand, indicating his building of the Synagogue (Luke 7: 1 - 10). The little boy beyond his shoulder is his son healed by Jesus. The three heads behind the boy show "he and his whole household believed" (John 4: 45 - 54). He has extended his thumb and two fingers, a symbol of the Trinity, while his two closed fingers symbolize the hidden mystery of the two natures of Jesus the Christ. "Truly He is the Son of God" (Mark 15:39).

The Lesser Figures:

Longinus.

The Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance.

Stephen.

Tradition gives this name to the soldier who offered Jesus a sponge soaked in vinegar wine after Jesus cried out "I thirst" (John 19: 28 -30).



The Unknown Saints.

At the bottom of the Icon are six unknown saints whom Scholars postulate are SSTs Damian, Rufinus, Michael John the Baptist, Peter and Paul, all patrons of Churches in the Assisi area. St Damian was the Patron of the Church that housed the Cross and St Rufinus was the Patron Saint of Assisi. There is too much damage of that area to make a proper identification.


The Astonished Angels.

There sat two groups of angels - animatedly discussing the scene unfolded before them.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not die but have life everlasting"(John 3:16).

The Tomb.

As mentioned before behind Christ is the open tomb; Christ is alive and standing over the tomb. The red of love overcomes the black of death. The gestures of the unknown saints at His hands indicate faith. Could these be Peter and John at the empty tomb? (John 20: 3 - 9).

The Rooster

Firstly, the inclusion of the rooster recalls the denial of Peter who wept bitterly. Secondly, the rooster proclaims the new dawn of the Risen Christ 1 the true light (1 John 2:8). "But for you who revere my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings" (Malachi 4:2 or 3:20 depending on your translation).

The Shape of the Cross.

The shape of the Cross has changed to enable the artist to include all who participated in the drama of the Passion. Note that the arms of the cross lift to Christ's right indicating that the Good Thief (traditionally called Dismas) went to Heaven; while the left hand dips - the other thief did not.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30


How can we prepare ourselves in simplicity and humility to live more fully the life that Jesus has given to us?

St Francis, one day of the Carnival, was near the Lake of Perugia, in the house of one of his devout children, with whom he had spent the night, when he was inspired by God to go and pass the time of Lent in an island on the lake. Wherefore St Francis begged his friend, for the love of God, to convey him in his boat to an island uninhabited by man: the which he should do during the night of Ash-Wednesday, so that none might know where he was; and the friend, because of the great devotion he bore to St Francis, agreed to his request, and conveyed him to the said island, St Francis taking with him naught but two small loaves. When they had reached the island, his friend left him and returned home; the saint earnestly entreating him to reveal to no one where he was, and not to come and fetch him before Holy Thursday; to which he consented.
    St Francis being left alone, and there being no dwelling in the island in which he could take shelter, entered into a thick part of the wood all overgrown with brambles and other creeping plants, and forming as it were a kind of hut, there he began to pray and enter into the contemplation of divine things. And there he passed the whole of Lent without drinking or eating save half of one of the small loaves he had taken with him, as we learned from his friend who, going to fetch him on Holy Thursday, found one of the loaves untouched and the other only half consumed. It is believed that St Francis ate this half out of reverence for our Blessed Lord, who fasted forty days and forty nights without taking any material food; for by eating this bit of bread he put aside the temptation to vainglory, and yet fasted forty days and forty nights in imitation of the Savior.
     In later times God worked many miracles, through the merits of the saint, on the spot where St Francis had fasted so wonderfully, on which account people began to build houses and dwell there, and little by little a town rose up, with a convent called the Convent of the Isle; and to this day the inhabitants of that town hold in great respect and great devotion the spot in which St Francis passed the time of Lent.                                           from Little Flowers
    Lent is a wonderful opportunity to rejuvenate ourselves and experience Christ’s Paschal mystery. We cannot all be like St. Francis and escape to an island but we can set time aside to refresh our spirit..  This year RECLAIM Lent! Find  a quiet place and be with God;  in going through this time intentionally with Jesus, as we witness his suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection. We have an opportunity to seek new life and a new spirit within ourselves as we journey, knowing that Jesus suffers with us and redeems us by his salvation.  So go for it!  Find a place for prayer and reflection, allowing you to intentionally break away from daily life. Make a date with God.  Happy Lent!
                            Frances

THE FUN FORMATION WORKSHOP

Held this past January 20-22 at Mt. Alvernia, Wappinger Falls, NY, was very successful. A number of participants said that they were "on fire" to get started using the new manual.

Although most fraternities were represented at the workshop, those who did not make it should contact the OLTAR Executive Council (OEC) regarding the manual.
Future workshops are planned within the Regional Clusters; and they will need the manual.

Formation Directors should make every effort to obtain a copy from OEC as soon as possible.
Please also note that the presentations on the website will be better understood by those who attended the workshop. Of course, the council members are always available to answer questions.

For Formation workshop pictures and Formation manual resources and presentations given at the workshop go to our region website at:

http://www.ourladyoftheangelsregion.org/formation.html

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