At the beginning of February, our six second year novices returned to the novitiate from their mission experience. They have come with a deepened knowledge about our religious life, of the difficulties and joys of apostolic service and a greater appreciation of prayer and the Lord's work in their own hearts. To read about some of the graces of their time on mission, visit our website at http://altonfranciscans.org/. Please pray for them in their time of preparing for their first profession of vows. Thank you!
Recently, I found a reflection I had written during my first retreat as a postulant. The last conference that had been given was on Spiritual Motherhood. As I approached the 4 th Station where Jesus meets His Sorrowful Mother, this is what struck my heart: What is the sacrificial love of a mother? It is the self-sacrifice made to love her children. Mary’s self-sacrifice to be there with Christ, her Son, in His passion was the selfless love that united her with Him. Her heart was pierced with 7 swords in the agony of watching her beloved Son endure a cross that He did not deserve, but which He embraced for the love of the Father and mankind. Could she not have said to Jesus, “You don’t have to do this, there are other ways. Do you know how much pain You are causing me and those who love you?” She knew He could have chosen any other way t...
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Sincerely,
Francis Ziegler