Writing on Substack…

…is strange

I don’t know what the difference is, but writing these wee essays is so damned difficult. I can write a note, but this particular publishing option is difficult for me. Here I am anyway.

It is Monday. I just walked our newly minted third grader to school. Somehow, by a feat of administrative magic, his second grade teacher has moved up to third grade and has taken almost everyone with her. I love it! First, we love Ms. Robinson. Second, continuity like this is a good thing for students. Kids have a better chance to thrive in the learning environment. Color EP’s parents happy.

Surprisingly, I wept as I dropped him off. I don’t know why. I am just overwhelmed with The Feels this morning. He’s such a good boy, a force of nature with a will and ideas of his own. He is unafraid to express his thoughts, too. This makes for some challenging parenting moments and I love that about him.

He: “Do I have an overactive imagination?”

Me: “Yes, and I love that about you.”

I am seated in a local coffee shop, Stir Crazy. Now that school has begun, there’s a whole new vibe here. I’m going to try to make a habit of stipping here from time to time to write, think, and pray.

Last night, our novice cohort met on Zoom. This Franciscan Tertiary journey is an interesting one. On one hand, I simply do not have time for it. My life is full as it is. On the other hand, this spiritual path feels like second nature to me. I grok it. I appreciate the challenges it offers. I appreciate the support the community provides.

Last night, we spoke of St. Clare and the contemplative strain within the tradition. She is the standard bearer for Franciscan contemplation. I feel like I have a reasonable grasp on Christian contemplative practice. I need to do more of it, but I am very familiar with its history and practice. That said, we also spoke of possessions last night, specifically spiritual possessions like, well, contemplative practices. “Behold my Franciscanism!” is a pitfall and not a grace. We are to hold our spiritual practices loosely while they, in turn, cradle us.

Because one thing alone is necessary, I bear witness to that one thing and encourage you, for love of Him to Whom you have offered yourself as a holy and pleasing sacrifice that...you always remember your resolution and be conscious of how you began. What you hold, may you always hold. What you do, may you always do and never abandon,

But with swift pace, light step, and unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness, believing nothing--agreeing with nothing which would dissuade you from this resolution or which place a stumbling block for you on the way, so that you may offer your vows to the Most High in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.

St. Clare’s 2nd Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague

Perfection, as Clare understood it, does not come from rigorous adherence and identification to a set of practices. Instead, it is a reflection of joy and happiness having chosen a way to follow. It is a calling. It is a pursuit of love. Perfection is a response to God’s grace. It is not the results of strenuous effort or spiritual pride.

So, this morning I receive the gift of the life to which God has called me. I welcome the tears of fatherhood. I embrace the complexities of contemporary life in a Franciscan frame.

Be excellent to each other.