As Franciscans, we know the story of St. Francis and the Leper. Francis was also in his conversion process – he was already seeking God’s will, but also struggling to see God in the most marginalized: the people afflicted with leprosy. Let’s reflect on that for a moment…

Afterwards, as he remounted his horse and turned back to say farewell to the man, the leper had vanished. That leper was Jesus Christ – who received a kiss from Francis.

     Francis’s tells us about this story in his own words: "The Lord gave me, Brother Francis, thus to begin doing penance in this way:  for when I was in sin, it seemed too bitter for me to see lepers. And the Lord Himself led me among them and I showed mercy to them. And when I left them, what had seemed bitter to me was turned into sweetness of soul and body. And afterwards I delayed a little and left the world".[i]

     In this encounter, Francis opened his heart to the transformative power of God. Of such complete conversion that it was completely life changing. As we approach Lent 2022 let us open our hearts be opened to the unexpected sweetness waiting for us in our encounters with the marginalized. Perhaps encounters with those suffering with poverty, disease. Or even those we consider to be on ‘our’ margins – those who may hold different political views. Let us, like Francis, be open to the encounter, and in so doing, open to touching the face of God.

Lenten Blessings -
Laura Chun, OFS
Minister, San Luis Rey Fraternity

     Years ago, I listed to a recording or Fr. Richard Rohr presenting the Trinity as a ‘Divine Dance’ (The Divine Dance of the Trinity: Exploring the Mystery of the Trinity’).  There was something alluring about thinking of the Trinity as movement. Symbols of the Holy Spirit come to mind with movement and transformation – water, wind, fire. When I think of dancers, I think to collaboration, of flow, of such an innate level of communication that their movements come together as one – they are one dance. The dancers are transformed by the Dance. They become One. One flow. One experience.
     Sometimes the next steps of the Divine Dance are totally unexpected. I was particularly moved by an unexpected phone call recently from a fellow Secular; I woke the next morning with their words flowing through my mind. Our conversation was such a gift. This Secular Franciscan is a beautiful example of living a vocation of love. They are the primary caregiver for an incapacitated friend. With all the caregiving responsibilities, are unable to join us at in-person Gatherings, and without a computer, can’t join us on Zoom.  They have stayed connected to us though our Newsletter, the Cord.
     This person also remained lovingly committed to their Secular Franciscan vocation. When encouraged by a former Secular Franciscan to renounce their vocation, they remained steadfast. Steadfast in their love of Christ, walking in the footprints of St. Francis of Assisi. I heard this love, dedication, and commitment in their voice. What an incredible witness! I hope one day this incredible person will be able to join us in person and in community - because we are all part of this big, beautiful, Divine Dance.

Pace e bene -
Laura Chun, OFS 
Minister, San Luis Rey Fraternity

     Our theme for January is 'Epiphany - Light & Hope.’ Although in a time of darkness, the light is increasing. I feel full of hope. I am humbled by the work of the Holy Spirit in the selection of our new Council. I'm painfully aware that we likely still have many pandemic potholes ahead of us yet, but this new Council has such beautiful optimism going forward! Our new Council is comprised of Sam DeSantis, Jan DeSpain, Connie Collins, Corinne Helena, Pam Pert, and Marta Kassai, myself, and of course, Sr. Madeline Fitzgerald, OSC. Please see our current wonderful Council and Fraternity Support team on our website, and as always, keep us in your prayers.

     During our January Zoom gathering, we’ll be participating in the Epiphany Rite of Extraction. This was entirely new to me, so please read the article in the January Cord to get a feel for what this means. Our Franciscan tradition is so full of spiritual treasures!

May we all be so blessed!
May God bless us all as we journey into this new year.

Laura Chun, OFS
Minister, San Luis Rey Fraternity