First Talk on the Gospel of St. John - Conversion and renewal of life

Br. Jude, OFM CONV 

·      Significant moment in life

·      Taught in formation

·      Promoted for higher studies in Rome

·      In Rome learnt one word Gelato

·      I have need of you – heard voice of God

·      Changed my opinion of being a friar

·      To be with friars in their joys and sorrows

·      The gift of God to serve the brothers

·      Conversion of the heart

·      Earlier friars asked for chapel today friars asked what is the password….we do it penance for the friars whom we serve

·      The theme comes from the Gospel of John

·      Francis referes to two Gospels of John and Mathew

·      Francis heard everyday the gospel of Mathew

·      How to fall in love with Jesus, not compassion but passion

·      Gospel of John speaks to our hearts, not speaks of miracles but signs. Miracles may not convert a person but signs do help towards conversion, a profound reality, Jesus shows signs, John uses word disciples and apostles., transfiguration which is important but don’t find in Gospel.

·      John invites us for a profound conversion

·      Contemplation of the love of God

·      What could we learn from the third world and the third world would not make same mistakes which the first world has made

·      Our relationship with Jesus. The meeting of John Baptist, convert to the good news, who am I? First words are of negation sign of humility, points at Jesus, we friars don’t do this, we are worried about Carrere

·      Dogs leave a sign on the trees so too the friars would like to leave signs but not spiritual signs

·      Jesus needs to be preached and not the things

·      I am not ….sign of simplicity, for an elephant to swim….I am not worthy to walk in his shadow

·      John says that he will baptize with the fire….

·      He should increase I should decrease

·      John recognizes Jesus as the spouse, he is at the centre and centre of attraction

·      Don’t follow me but follow Jesus

·      You need to wed the Lord….need of falling in love

·      Whole year is primavera

·      Joy is profound, happiness is momentary

·      Friars leaving the chapel after the Mass very angry, but when leave the refectory not so…

·      Celebrate or doing Mass…

·      To generate Children for Jesus, Francis said we need to be Mother for Jesus….