Reflection 08 (8:58): We are All Blind Beggars

The journey of Saint Francis of Assisi invites us into a profound meditation on change, faith, and the search for meaning beyond worldly success. Gerard Thomas Straub’s film, The Loneliness and Longing of St. Francis of Assisi, captures this spiritual odyssey with a quiet intensity that resonates deeply. This series breaks the full length film into clips that are conducive to pausing, watching, and pondering.

Reflection Questions on Quotes from the Film:

"In the wake of the barbaric events of September 11th, 2001, the subsequent illegal immoral and unjustified war in Iraq, and the recent global economic collapse, it is abundantly clear that we are all blind beggars and we all need to stretch out open hands to God who will give us sight and teach us how to see things differently...”

• Did you see the world differently after 9/11? What is God teaching us today? How does that pertain to today's current events?

"I think St. Francis came to see clearly that the fundamental principle of the gospel requires that the weakest and least presentable people are indispensable to the church and that followers of Christ must be in communion with the poor and must be willing to love our enemies."

• How should being in communion with the poor and loving our enemies shape our domestic and foreign policies? What is an example of a person, or community, who served those living in poverty? What is an example of someone who loved an enemy?

"As Francis' followers began to grow in number, he told them that they were to be a fraternity at peace with everyone."

• What kind of support do you need to follow Jesus' call? What people could you gather with to find that support?

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