Formation Notes 12
JOY

In the first story in the formation notes, Francis says that even if every person were to enter the Order, it would not bring true joy. Nor would having converted all non-believers to the faith bring true joy. Even being granted the power to heal the sick and to perform miracles would not bring true joy.

These were the things ( Read more... )

Tonight I spoke with my Novice Counsellor over my 12th and final set of formation notes.
This set was on Joy.
As usual, my Counsellor made me feel completely comfortable, and welcomed my understanding of the notes.

There were two things about my most recent report about how I have been keeping the Rule that she questioned. One was that I admitted I ( Read more... )

Dear friends,

I have now received and responded to the eleventh set of formation notes - on Love.  It was rather good timing, as I just finished reading Revelations of Divine Love, but Julian of Norwich, so it was all in keeping with the theme. I shall post my thoughts on the book in due course, as tonight I only have time to share this...

( Formation Notes Response )

It is time for another set! Only two more to go after this. I will be sad to see the end of them - it is so wonderfully invigorating to have something to ponder like this.  But alas, I cannot remain a novice forever.
( My response... )

I believe it looks as if I have missed out on posting my 8th set of formation notes.

( So here they are... )

For those who are interested in the journey of my noviciate to become a Professed Memeber of the Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis, follow the cut for my response to the set of Formation Notes about Work...

( Read more... )

Response to Formation Notes 7

Reflect prayerfully on
these quotations from our tradition. What do they say to you about St Francis
and prayer?

Read again the section
on Prayer in the Rule of the Third Order and the stories at the beginning of
this study.  Re-read what you wrote in
preparation for this study.

In light of the above,
re-write your ( Read more... )

( Study 7 preparation )

It is a state of non-grasping that defines the spiritual poverty St Francis champions. If he had given up all his possessions, his status, his family, only to become caught up in yearning for such things again, nothing would have been accomplished. Spiritual poverty involves letting go of this things we have clung to and leaving our hands open, ( Read more... )

We can become caught up in an idea and become attached to our own opinion. This brings many dangers, such as not being able to listen to others with patience and compassion, not being able to respond appropriately should it turn out our idea was wrong, and not being open to God’s nudgings. Or if we get attached to our routine, we stagnate, refusing ( Read more... )