"Go and sell your possessions and give them to the poor” Jesus said to a young wealthy man who inquired of him how he could find eternal life. The man, counting the cost of this invitation and deciding it was too much, became sad, turned, and walked away. 1200 years later a young wealthy man from Assisi received a similar invitation. This young man, and many after him, responded to that call to relinquish all that they had, and in doing so found a life of freedom and abundance as they stepped into a life of following … [Read more...] about The Franciscan Way (Walk Two): Poverty and Abundance
Devotional
The Franciscan Way (Walk One): Joy and Suffering
For the past several years, InterVarsity Faculty Ministry in collaboration with InterVarsity's Study Abroad program, has hosted Via Divina, a digital pilgrimage with downloadable audio guides and companion written materials. This year's digital pilgrimage is titled The Franciscan Way and follows the lives of St. Francis and Clare of Assisi. Jamie Noyd, director of the program for graduate students and faculty, will be previewing the themes of the walks of this year's pilgrimage in a series of posts. The program is open … [Read more...] about The Franciscan Way (Walk One): Joy and Suffering
Via Divina: The Franciscan Way
Even where there are deepening divisions, love is possible.  Even when there is suffering, joy is possible.  Even in the midst of brokenness, rebuilding is possible.  A simple, singing monk from the 13th century just might be able to teach us what is still possible—for us, today.  Join in this third edition of Via Divina - The Franciscan Way - a digital pilgrimage in which you can participate wherever you find yourself this summer. From … [Read more...] about Via Divina: The Franciscan Way
Lenten Reflection: Eastertide and the Renewal of All Things
This is the eighth and concluding reflection in our series of Lenten reflections, as we transition from Lent to the season of Eastertide. ESN would like to thank Bobby Gross for these thought-provoking and spiritually enriching posts. The first appeared on Ash Wednesday. You may browse the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth posts by following the respective links. The seventh post focuses on Good Friday. For six weeks during Lent we fasted, but over the seven weeks of Eastertide we feast. Sobriety … [Read more...] about Lenten Reflection: Eastertide and the Renewal of All Things
Lenten Reflections: Good Friday
This is the seventh in a series of reflections through the season of Lent, written by Bobby Gross, who contributed the reflections for this past Advent Season. The first appeared on Ash Wednesday. You can browse the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth reflections by following the links. The whole journey of Lent brings us to this weekend, holy in the Christian calendar, the Great Three Days, the Paschal Triduum, this Good Friday--Holy Saturday--Easter Sunday that plunges us into the … [Read more...] about Lenten Reflections: Good Friday