Natus in Via
Born on the Way 

Aug 10, 2020
Feast of St. Lawrence

Born on the Way

 

For the Most Holy Child has been give to us
and has been born for us on the way
and placed in a manger
because he did not have a place in the inn.
St. Francis – Office of the Passion

Saint Francis of Assisi found joy in the midst of life. The Word itself – or better Himself – is the seed planted and born on the paths of this world. Each day is a day of salvation, “this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24). He has been born (natus) … on the way (in via), for us, for you and for me.
Vespers of the Lord’s Birth – Ps XV.7

 

This blog/vlog is presented by me, Fr. Paschal Mary of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, in hopes that you will come with me in the footsteps of Saint Francis (and Clare), who ardently stepped in the Way of Christ. My religious title is “of the Nativity,” as I have been drawn to this mystery of humility from my earliest memories. Naturally, then, in Francis’ own formulation of prayer on Christmas Eve has given us the title for these reflections, Natus in Via, Born on the Way.

I was drawn slowly into the Franciscan life. Slowly, Saint Clare of Assisi reminds us in her Testament, “The Son of God has become for us the Way that our blessed father Francis, His true lover and imitator, has shown and taught us by word and example” (TestCl 5). The content will be primarily on Franciscan Roots & Spirituality, Feature & Travels, with a whole heaping of “Paschal” musings.

This evening we begin the Solemnity of Saint Clare; at least, here at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament where Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration call home. As I have been their chaplain for some time, I will also share a good bit on she who calls herself the “plantula,” (BlCl 6; TestCl 37, 49; RegCl I.3) the little plant of Saint Francis. She is being so humble, for indeed she is a mustard seed become the largest of trees where many birdies find their home.  (Cf. Mt 13:31-32; Mk 4:30-32; Lk 13:18-19)

So, be borne on this journey with me that we may come swiftly to Him who has been born for us on the Way.

Fr. Paschal Mary of the Nativity, MFVA

 

 

5 thoughts on “Born on the Way (A New Blog by Fr. Paschal Mary)

  1. Truly, the joy will be in the journey….ready to be borne into the Life of Christ through Franciscan Spirituality

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