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October 10, 2011
Bl. Mary Angela Truszkowska, CSSF (Founder of the Felician Sisters)
Daniel and Companions (First Order Martyrs)
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I Have Called You By Name
We often hear the expression taken from the first reading for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: "I have called you by your name" (Is 45: 5). In religious education classes children are taught that God has called each of them by name. When Jesus called his apostles, he called each of them by name. In the first reading, God called Cyrus even though Cyrus did not know God. When Jesus called the apostles, they were not religious or political leaders or theologians; they were simple fishermen and laborers. In fact, the Bible is filled with examples of where God called ordinary men and women to do extraordinary acts, whether it was Moses, David, Ruth or Peter. It is often said, "God does not choose the qualified; God qualifies the chosen." The question is, "When God calls us by name what is he calling us to do?"
 The second reading continues this theme of being called. Paul tells us that we are chosen not just in word but "also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction" (1 Thes 1:5). So we know that God calls us by name, and in the Holy Spirit and with conviction, but again what is God calling us to do? Is God calling us to go to church on Sunday, maybe to occasionally write out a check for the poor? Or is God calling us to not just listen to the word but to live the Gospels every minute of every day? The Gospels are full of examples of what we are called to do, whether it is welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, loving your enemy or taking care of the sick and poor. St. Francis said it best when he said, "Preach the Gospel always; use words when necessary." St. Francis preached the Gospel by being a living example of Jesus and living the Gospels every day. When God calls us by name in power and in the Holy Spirit with conviction, he is not calling us to be passive observers of the building of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, but rather to be active participants by not just listening to the Word but living the Word.
This Sunday is also World Food Day. See below for ways to live the Word daily in our relationship to food.
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Food Day: Recognizing the Gifts of God
 In this season of harvests, the world invites Franciscan engagement in the work of redemption - through food. TODAY, October 10, begins the Food Week of Action
This year kicks off October 24 as a national Food Day to give thanks for the gifts God has given us and seek more just ways to cultivate the earth and honor human labor.
 The Food Day website offers resources and local events. Please see what is happening near you and considering adding a Franciscan presence!
FAN also recommends:
- Sr. Marya Grathwohl, OSF's interview with farmer Chris Merkel of the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Ind.'s Michaela Farm
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As We Continue to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of St. Francis...
Remember Il Poverello by Alleviating Poverty
Last month, U SCCB President Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan wrote to his brother bishops to highlight concern for the 46 million persons living in poverty in the U.S. who represent 15 percent of the population. In his letter, Archbishop Dolan asked bishops to use their role as "pastors, teachers, and leaders to focus public attention and priority on the scandal of so much poverty and so many without work in our society." He also directed the bishops and those at the diocesan and parish level to consult USCCB online resources on unemployment and poverty "for preaching, educating the faithful and advocating on behalf of the poor and jobless."
Noting that "the underemployed and the unemployed are not issues, but people with names and faces," Dolan emphasized that "[i]t is an essential part of our work as Catholics to build a more just society and economy."
READ MORE of Archbishop Dolan's letter
Life to the Full with Francis
 "I came that all might have life, and have it to the full!" St. Francis lived his life fully by following in the footsteps of Christ, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Francis reverenced all life at every stage.
Kent Ferris, SFO, FAN Action Commissioner and JPIC Chair for the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, shares his reflections on the consistent ethic of life.
Visit the USCCB Respect Life Program website for resources on this theme.
Be Instruments of Peace 
October 27, 2011 is the World Day of Prayer for Peace: Spirit of Assisi, which marks the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking interreligious event in Assisi in 1986. The Franciscan Friars of St. Barbara Province (OFM) offer resources to observe this day on their website.
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Respond to Human Trafficking: Time is Running Out
Take Action  Although Congress missed the Sept. 30 deadline to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), U.S. programs to combat the multi-billion dollar human trafficking industry are running for the moment. It is important to pass this legislation before Congress adjourns for Fall recess. The Senate Judiciary Committee will reconvene this week to reconsider the legislation. Please e-mail your Senators, or call call the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask for your Senators' and Representative's offices. Ask their staff to support S. 1301 (for Senators) or H.R. 2830 (for Representatives), the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.
Please Join Us!
 Human Trafficking: Epidemic Contemporary Slavery Conference Wed., October 26, 2011
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. FAN and CUA's Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies are co-sponsoring this conference on human trafficking in cooperation with Franciscans International and the Franciscan Federation. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking (pictured at right), will be the keynote speaker. Visit the Institute website for more information or to register.
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There's Something in the Water: The Challenge of Hydrofracking
 A recording of FAN's webinar on hydrofracking is available online.
The webinar features Prof. Robert Jackson, Ph.D. of Duke University, who presents the findings of research on the impact of hydrofracking on drinking water, shares policy recommendations, and places hydrofracking in the broader energy context. FAN Action Commission Sr. Caryn Crook, OSF applies St. Francis' "Canticle of the Creatures" to hydrofracking.
Please visit FAN's homepage for resources related to this presentation. You can also learn more about opportunities for engagement in federal policy and read a personal reflection from former FAN intern Ben Feuerherd (St. Francis College) on FAN's blog. |
PRAYER IN HONOR OF BLESSED MARY ANGELA TRUSZKOWSKA: Virgin and Foundress (October 10)
God, our Father, you graced Blessed Mary Angela with a living faith and boundless love which she manifested in complete surrender to your divine will. By her prayers and witness may we strive to seek, to accept, and to fulfill your will in all circumstances of our lives. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR THE 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Almighty and ever-living God,
our source of power and inspiration,
give us strength and joy
in serving you as followers of Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
[Prayer for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time] |
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Mission Statement
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform U.S. public policy related to peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights. |
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