Surprise me Lord!

A call to update while being renewed in the Spirit during 2017 & beyond!

Thinking about Jesus’ coming and presence give us new grace of renewal. For Pope Francis, ‘Christmas and the New Year are moments of hope’. According to Br. Mauro our General Minister ‘those who expect and search for God may get a surprising revelation and experience of God’. God is making everything new time and again (Rev 21:5). God’s spirit is ever active and the only thing is we need to attune ourselves to that Spirit and to His promptings. Let this New Year bring more blessings to us.

The following are the inspirational challenges/questions for all of us:

-Become brothers of inspiration having our roots in the ‘God of new hope’ and in Franciscan Contemplation. Have time to contemplate the affectionate face and eyes of God.

-Update our biblical, theological, socio-psychological insights by reading new books and articles along with the traditional ones. It is sad that some of our theological insights, homilies and reflections are outdated and that is why it doesn’t touch people’s hearts. To be inspirational let us continue to read the documents of the Church (www.vatican.va)) (particularly the message coming from Pope Francis), letters of our Br. Mauro our General Minister www.ofmcap.org) , Theological Journals, books & articles, Documents of the General Formation Secretariat, particularly on Ratio (www.sgfcap.org) and other materials that would make us informed & inspirational brothers. What is the new inspirational book that you are reading now along with the Bible?

-We are called to become ‘brothers of the testament’ in our fraternities living the Capuchin brotherhood by giving space to every member to grow in love and freedom. Along with the feedback, let us also think and talk positively about others, avoiding pessimistic gossips.

-A reminder to know and serve the poor in our locality. For we are called to go where others may hesitate and there may get surprises which may change our lives entirely. Do you know the poor of your place?

-Become brothers who are a blessing and who find time to relax, go for a walk to befriend the nature, do some physical fitness exercises that will make us healthy according to our age. And also go green by taking more natural food and drinks.

 

A good prayer & question: Surprise me Lord with your ways and tell me what I need to do further to bring hope to this world? (Visit our Formation Website for more inspiration: www.sgfcap.org