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Overseas Missions
Appeal Letter
No New Testament passage is more inspiring to Franciscans than the one that St. Francis and St. Anthony chose to live by. It is the Hymn of Self-Emptying from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. In it, St. Paul sings of Christ, who emptied himself for our sake, telling us all to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus: ÒYour attitude must be that of Christ.
Though he was in the form of God, he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. He was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting death, even death on a cross! Because of this, God exalted him and bestowed on him the name above all other names. So that at the name of Jesus every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: Jesus Christ is Lord!Ó (Philippians 2: 5-11) As Lent begins, this hymn may be a good guide for keeping this season sacred and preparing for the celebration of Easter.
Perhaps we could use this hymn as inspiration, praying it each day of Lent in order to embrace the way of the Lord and do what St. Paul challenges us to do. By becoming more Christ-like, we will be better able to appreciate the gift of life that Christ won for us through his Passion, death and resurrection. If we could but truly appreciate this gift, we would want desperately to share this good news with others. The salvation that is ours in Christ, we want all people to share. Perhaps as you embrace ChristÕs way of self-emptying, you can share some of your blessings, and help us continue to serve the people of Bolivia.
The friars have been taking on some wonderful projects. More people are being fed and helped in dramatic ways. There are better job training programs, health programs and even an important environmental effort. Pray for vocations, tooÉremember they need M&M! Thank you for all you do for the missions. Be assured of our prayers for your intentions and for your ability to have a holy Lent that will lead to a glorious Easter.
Yours in St. Francis and St. Anthony,
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Mission Procurator
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Lent.pdf (PDF) |
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