God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”We hear this in the rst reading from today’s Mass. This was said to Solomon, and his response was that he might have an “understanding heart.” If God had said this to you, what would your response have been? What would it be now? This is what Solomon felt that he needed in order to be an effective king – not more power or possessions or prestige, but an understanding heart. How good would it be for our world today if everyone asked for an “understanding heart.”
It would certainly break down barriers and bring people closer to each other. We can easily get stuck with “my” way and “my” way may not always be the best.
You may have noticed that we will be having a Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome next March, but I put out a caution to anyone thinking of making this pilgrimage because there will be more than the usual amount of walking this time. Both in Assisi and in Rome we will venture to places normally not on most pilgrimages, and we will have to walk to those places. Also, it is important that a person be able to “keep up with the group”– otherwise, we will be late for appointments at particular sites. It will be during Lent, so it is a perfect time for a Pilgrimage. If interested, check the brochure.
This week, Franciscans celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula, the name given to our Mother Church in Assisi. This small chapel was particularly special to St. Francis because of all of the important events that took place here for him and for his followers. Join us for our celebrations here on Wednesday, August 2.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.