In today’s second reading, St. Paul says: “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.” A good, positive attitude is so important and yet it is not always easy to have one. When we step out into the world each day, there are many forces that challenge and influence us, and many are destructive. This is why it is important to always pray to have the “attitude of Christ Jesus.” Striving to have this attitude helps us filter out the negative forces and open ourselves to the positive force of Christ’s love that awaits us. It can be a force waiting for us to “tap” into because our world was created by the goodness of the Lord. The presence of the Lord is in our world, although hidden at times. This is why we have to have “eyes that truly see,” and “ears that truly hear,” and a heart that is open to accept the positive gifts that God offers us daily.

This week we celebrate Francis Week with a number of events: a Forum offered by Fr. Bill Beaudin on Monday evening, the Transitus Service on Tuesday evening, and Masses for the Solemnity of St. Francis on Wednesday. St. Francis will always be a “treasure” who continues to teach us how to live our Christian lives. He helps us discover what is important and what is not so important in life. He reminds us of the closeness of God in our lives and how God’s beauty is reflected in all of creation. He teaches us respect for all of creation and helps us take care of God’s creation.

There is much more to learn. Come and celebrate with us this week!

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.