Search This Blog

Saturday, January 24, 2009




Francis was named Bishop of Geneva in 1602. He was a gentle, wise, holy, and dynamic bishop who reformed his diocese. He lived a life of simplicity and is famous for his spiritual direction, his pastoral work, his preaching and his writing. He emphasized the loving kindness of God and our human capacity for love. He introduced the laity to the spiritual life in his still famous classic, "Introduction to a Devout Life". With Jane de Chantel he founded the Visitation Order.

Jesus attracted crowds wherever he went. Today, Mark's Gospel shows us Jesus in a house with so many around him that it was impossible for them to even eat. He was a charismatic leader and people were drawn to him. Yet, when his relatives heard of this crowd, "they set out to seize him, for they said, 'He is out of his mind.'" How would you feel if your relatives thought you were crazy just because you were doing good? Come to think of it, there are times when others seem to think it strange when I want to do something that seems inspired by the Holy Spirit. This always calls for discernment. Still, I think the misunderstanding that Jesus felt from those closest to him was a real heart suffering. Let us make up by our love.

No comments: