Today we went to visit the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. They are an amazing and young religious community of priests and brothers that follow St. Francis of Assisi’s simple and humble way of life. They are also known as the CFRs (Community of Friars of the Renewal) and you can read more about them here.
During our year of novitiate we take some time every once in a while to visit a different religious order because in learning about them and their charism (Spirit of living and working) we can see a larger picture of the Church in the world as well as reflect on our own religious charism (Salesian) and hopefully come to a deeper understanding of our own vocation and call from God.
During our visit Fr. Glen asked me an interesting question. He said “who do you love more than God?” Of course I answered “no one” very quickly, but that wasn’t the answer he seemed to be looking for so I stared at him quizzically for about 10 seconds not knowing whether this was a trick question or a set up for a joke.
After a couple of seconds he said “yourself.” He explained that we all love ourselves more than God before a conversion takes place. He reminded me that this is exactly the journey that I am currently on, a journey of conversion, journeying away from “myself” and more towards God. I quickly shot back “that’s what novitiate is all about, this conversion to a deeper understanding of the love of God” and fortunately because he’s a wise priest he didn’t just tacitly agree, he said, “not only novitiate, that is what life is about.”
I think it is good sometimes to look ourselves in the mirror and ask who do I love more? If I do love God more than anyone else, how does my life concretely reflect that? In John 14:15 Jesus says “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” How can I better love God and others thus following His commandments?
It was a great blessing to visit with the CFRs and their novices this afternoon, they are certainly men of prayer, humility and love. I’m thankful that Fr. Glen reminded me about my purpose, not only in novitiate, but also in life, to live into this conversion to God each day, forgetting about what I do and remembering who I am, a child of God.
Wow. Tru dat, tru dat.
The important point is that loving God more (which means living more the way we are intended to live) means we can love those others in our life better.
It’s hard to remember, though, in a busy life that has to be focused on so many things, but not explicitly on the spiritual. You’ve got a framework of traditions and habits that makes it easier for you to focus on god, I suppose. What a wonderful thing that is!
I had a chance to talk to Fr. Glen at St. Pat’s (he sat next to me and Fr. Dominic) and then again before the mass at Yankee Stadium. He is a very approachable and grounded priest! He also went to Salesian camp in Goshen as a kid! He was even a junior counselor for 2 years! He still holds a great love for Don Bosco! I am glad you guys went to visit! Prayers from Quito! God bless! Padre