This September 2017, Franciscan Sister Kathleen Murphy begins another Just Gospel Series focusing on Pope Francis’ monthly intentions, Tom Kendzia’s song Now is the Time and Core Values of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.
“Now is the time!” With this issue of the Monthly Memo we begin a new series of reflections in the sphere of Social Justice. Maybe you remember times when you were a child and your mom or big sister braided your hair. This year our reflections will be the product of some braiding. We hope to weave in some lyrics to the song Now Is the Time by Tom Kendzia along with Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for each month and finish with the strand of some concepts from the Core Values articulated as a result of our 2013 Chapter. Our goal is to bring the reality of social justice issues into our daily living and praying. So, NOW is the time, let us begin!
“…Take hold of us, our hearts, our minds, our whole being. Make us your own, now is the time…” These words from the song Now is the Time, are a good way to launch our considerations. Our times call for actions and prayers that aim for a more just and peaceful world community.
Pope Francis’ intention for this month is That our parishes, animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen. This petition is easily woven together with the lyrics of our theme song.
Unless God takes hold of our hearts, there can be no missionary spirit. The call to go out and evangelize must originate in the faithful heart. Our song also asks God to take our minds. Pope Francis prays for parishes and communities where faith is communicated. We are thus challenged to gain, reflect on and share a clear and true version of our Catholic Faith. This is the work of a mind given over to God. Finally our song asks God to take our whole being and make us His own. This complete giving over to God results in charity which is visible and viable.
