Learning and Growing

 

As I grow older, I'm aware of things that change. Some things I enjoyed when I was young, I can't do any more. Some things I wondered over in my youth are no longer mysterious. These changes require me to adjust both my thinking and my behaviors, for ideas are as powerful as actions...

A friend introduced me to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and challenged me to really read it, dedicating a little time each day to reflect on what it says. One of the things that surprises me is how much I didn't know about our Church. Each day I find something new and amazing—it's like I found a treasure box filled with jewels.

Now, at this point I could start telling you about some of the amazing things I've been reading, but the thing I stopped to talk about is my great surprise to discover that even this late in life there is still so much to learn! Page after page I'm surprised by what I don't know, and delighted to become better informed.

I know that not everyone shares my love for learning. And I know when I say “You shoud read this book!” or “Go here and look at this webpage...!” many of us don't have the time. Or more importantly, it's not time for us to learn. But we shouldn't let such things seperate us because in our diversity, Christ makes us one Body. This means that we can all learn in different ways, at different times and in different directions and still be God's people! It's one of the great gifts we receive through our baptism.

The division and separation in our world right now (“Why do the nations rage...?”) grows from a root of ignorance. We simply don't know that the Spirit of God makes us one body. And if the members of a Body war against one another, the whole body suffers. So our unity is both a gift and a challenge. Unity does not destroy our diversity, but done right, we can employ our unique thinking, actions and personal faith for the service and liberation of the world from sin. Yes, it is our job too. When we accept Christ, we embrace his work...

Faith, like time, changes us. When we start out, we love the way faith gives us certainty. But as we journey in faith we begin to understand that our certainty is invested in God, who exceeds our understanding. So some of the certainties we cling to become weights that hold us down, and ropes that hold us back. Paul once wrote “Test everything; keep what is good.” (1Thes 5:21) As we grow, our certainties can change. Like Peter, we are called to climb out of our boats and walk on water.

In days ahead please remember that uncertainty can be a good development—it can mean that we are growing and improving. The good we seek is often still ahead and if we are not walking, how shall we get there? If our path is on the water, know that He has walked there ahead of us. Don't be afraid to learn new things, even in our “final years”. Christ learned by listening and asking questions. Try it. You might like learning.

Pope Francis 21 April 2025

 I remember the day Pope Francis was elected. The staff at Franciscan Renewal Center was having an ordinary day, an ordinary weekly team meeting. One of the younger members of the team was paying more attention to his cellphone than to the string of departmental reports when he suddenly stood up, held out his phone and shouted “We have a new Pope...!”

Of course, our meeting ended right there as everyone scrambled to peer over his shoulder at the tiny screen, peppering him with questions. “When did it happen?” “Where is he from?” “What name has he chosen...?”

We waited together for answers, learning that he was from South America, that he was a Jesuit and... “He chose the name FRANCIS!” Then someone asked, “Which Francis...?”

Honestly, at that time, I didn't know there were more than one Saint Francis. (I had a lot to learn.) But waiting with everyone to learn that, indeed, that he had chosen Saint Francis of Assisi—OUR Saint Francis—was truly thrilling. We ended our meeting with excitement and joy, wondering what it would all mean. I think I speak for many people when I say we were never disappointed.

These days, much is changed. The first thing I do when I wake up is to check the news on my phone. The first thing I saw today was the news of Pope Francis' death. I was stunned, not understanding, not wanting to believe. I made my Franciscan profession shortly before he was elected. I have read many of his letters, instructions and guidelines. I have the Vatican website in my bookmarks. I have discussed, taught, shared and explored his thoughts and ideas along with many other “people of good will”. He has always seemed present, like a good friend watching over our efforts, joys, struggles and choices.

Today begins a series of formal rites and rituals that help process the passing of a Pope into eternal life. We know God's faithfulness. We are sure of the words “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Our Pope Francis will join the Church Triumphant in advocacy, intercession and the outpouring of blessings. For our part we will continue working in the immediate world. As Secular Franciscans we will continue to respond to our vocation to bring the Gospel to life in the world, “that they may see the good that we do and give glory to God.”

Today, at the start of the joyous Easter Season, we are challenged to reflect on our mission. Have we embraced the call of the Gospel? Have we chosen the gift of unity in peace that is Church? Can we truly call our neighbors brother and sister? Do we love our fraternity...?

As long as we live and breathe, our joys and our challenges will be difficult to separate. Both will ask us for our personal commitment to try and try again, “to live in faithful hope...”, to believe that Christ indeed is King, source and destiny for all humanity. As we wait now for our Church to pray, discern and choose a new Pope, my Easter wish for us all has sharpened in focus and annealed in its strength. In the days ahead, may God bless us all with pace et bene.