Simply Sent

John talks about some of the themes from his time at the Franciscan Convocation in Phoenix. He then talks about Matthew 9:35-10:8 as a pivotal moment in the story, when 12 of his followers suddenly became "sent ones - apostles" no longer observing what Jesus was doing but taking part in proclaiming the reign of heaven has come near. He then explores the importance of Matthew 10:5-8 for Franciscans, how hearing this gospel on the feast of St Matthias in 1208 was a pivotal moment for Francis, and he and his early brothers became sent ones themselves. John then uses that with some of the material from Phoenix to explore the heart of the Franciscan charism - living simply. He notes that we are today's “sent ones”/apostles, and wonders what Jesus instructions offer us in our understanding of living the gospel?