Francis Study-Prelude Part Two (from John Michael Talbot's The Lessons of St. Francis) there are some PDF files that were attachments, maybe SCW is smart enough to get them on here, otherwise here is Prelude Part Deux
Hope you have had time to ruminate on the earlier prelude and thought I would start off with a quote that you can add questions to and meditate on.

"It may only be a drop in the bucket, but it's my bloody bucket and my damn drop."-Br. Michael

Something to reflect on what it means to walk as Christ: (from Icross Canada site's poetry and writing section)
http://icross-canada.com/writings/an_ode_t.htm

AN ODE TO MICHAEL OF THE MAASAI
A band of good Samaritans led by a saintly manIn Sub-Saharan Africa they're doing what they canTo ease the pain and suffering of drought and povertyDaily they are working midst the scourge of HIV.
Over here in Canada and in the USAIn the lands of plenty we've forgotten how to prayWe've forgotten "Jesus": Do unto the least of theseDaily television spreads the words of Pharisees.
Michael Meegan toils amongst the poorest of the poorMidst HIV and famine and midst drought and tribal warfor several decades he has worked to help his fellow manLook in your heart, write a cheque, help us if you can.
I met this good man "Michael" who dwells with the MaasaiHe lives with dying children and their story made me cryTainted water and malnutrition, open sores and HIVGiving comfort to the wounded like the Prince of Galilee.
Michael actions the works of mercy as he toils amongst the tribesIn the Ngong Hills of Kenya he is bringing joy to livesHis, is a life of dedication, a life of selfless loveFor his fellow human travellers on the road to God above.
Ch. 14 Francis: His Life and Legacy-Read before proceeding
p. 243- Just reflect on the course of life others expected for you. Where were you supposed to be? Where did you think you were going? What did others think when you answered your call? Where is your call too?
Reflect on this snapshot of the life of Francis, the son of his days Bill Gates, turning his back on all the wealth in the world to live as a beggar. Reflect on the statements made in the Gospel to Jesus, about only being the Carpenter's Son when he tried to preach in his home town. How much of what we are expected to be is tied to our parents?
p.246-Reflect on Francis' call from God. He got it wrong, how many times have you misheard God? or misunderstood-share if you feel.
I love the line about it taking 2 more churches and many years before Francis realized Jesus wanted him to quit the construction trade--How many times are we plugging away in our own direction-happily thinking we have heard Jesus right, only to be two-by-foured by the almighty?
p.247-248 what are your thoughts on the three Gospel passages that inspired Francis?
p.249 Second paragraph, the Celano quote, what are ways the church takes the Gospel message off track today?
botttom of p.250 & top of 251-"Francis sought not only to follow the Word of Christ, he wished also to imitate the life of Christ as perfectly as he could, and he willed that his friars too should follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ." -Thomas A. Kempis
Reflect on this in conjunction with Matthew 16:13-20: Who is Jesus to you and what does it mean to walk in his footsteps?
Final Reflection-Murray Bodo Francis: The Journey and the Dream-Open attachement. It is from p. 15-17 "The Crucifix Speaks"
From To Live as Francis Lived Refelction 6 "Christ-The Masterpiece Planned from all Eternity"
Desert Wisdom Quote to close;Desert Wisdom
Abba Sisoes said Seek God, and not where God lives.
That is all for August, in September we start into the Spiritual meat if you will with our first lesson on Simplicity Franciscan Style (or as I like to say, how to own nothing, yet still loose your Bible in your undercrowded room).


Bodo "The Crucifix Speaks"

Reflection 6: Christ: The Masterpiece Planned from All Eternity