•I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me… (Isaiah 50:5,6)
•…and for my vesture they cast lots. (Psalm 22:19)
•…he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, (Philippians 2:7,8)
•It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. (Mark 15:25)

 

•What is happening in your life that requires perseverance?
•What is holding you back and keeping you from your goal?
•How can you strengthen your resolve to remove the obstacles that block your destination?
•How was it possible for Jesus to persevere to the end?


Francis reminds us of our fundamental desire for wholeness. We yearn to integrate mind and heart. We begin by first getting in touch with our heart, in other words cultivating a desire for God’s love. In time thoughts will be guided more and more by a deeper spiritual energy. We will experience the revelation of the Spirit in the here and now—in these people, these birds, this landscape. The heart knows no boundary and gives us the capacity to engage others and the world with surprising intimacy and as truly unique and deserving of our respect.<sup>1



1</sup>Simsic, Wayne, Living the Wisdom of St. Francis, Paulist Press, Mahweh, NJ, 2001, p. 41, 42.