Finding strength and purpose with Blessed Francis Jordan

Inspiration: 

The Life of Father Francis Jordan (Pancratius Pfeiffer 1930); Chapter 4 Attending the Gymnasium (1870-1874)

Summary:

Now well enough educated, Francis Jordan was able to pass the examination in order to enter 6th class at the Gymnasium in Constance. Whilst mathematics caused him some grief, he was quite exceptional in his study of languages. 

Colleagues from these days note that whilst Jordan was more advanced in age due to his later attendance, he was not aloof or separated from his class mates. He was noted for his “humility, his goodness of heart, his unaffectedness, his sociableness, his quiet and holy life.” He was honourable, not cheating when an opportunity availed itself on his least favourite subject, and didn’t complain about teachers who treated him poorly. 

He lived simply and found benefactors to help support him. His lack of food and intense study certainly put strain on her nerves significantly, and yet still he persisted on. 

Reflection

Knowing what we now know of the Founder, these years seem to have laid a significant foundation for his discipline, determination, and how he would go about leading his order. He knew what he wanted and what he needed to do, he knew he was at a disadvantage, and yet he focused all of his energy into making it not only possible but of doing it notably well. 

He had a good balance of traits – sociable but effective in his own company. Diligent and studious, yet able to connect with others. Exceptional but humble. Holy but relatable. He could communicate well with people from all walks of life. 

How do we also attain these qualities? I think it can be summarised by being in the world but not of the world. From understanding people, and how the world works, but also keeping our focus on the greater things of God. And by always trying to be the best person we can possibly be. In all aspects of our lives. 

Francis Jordan continues to surprise me in this chapter and in the things he did. This man that at face value doesn’t seem particularly noteworthy in the world is proving to be more and more extraordinary, in a simple, humble way. 

Questions to ponder:

1. What characteristics of Jordan’s set him apart from his classmates? How are these examples to us today?
2. How can we grow in determination, relatability, knowledge and integrity?
3. How has your image of Francis Jordan changed in these chapters? 
4. We know that Francis Jordan goes on to found a religious order, inspiring and leading people from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. How do the characteristics shown in this chapter help him to be successful at this?
5. Despite perceived obstacles, Jordan continues to be resourceful to find ways to make his goal possible. What obstacles in our lives could be overcome if we become more resourceful and push on a little bit more? 

Prayer

Lord God in heaven, 

You helped shaped Francis Jordan by the experiences he had, moulding him into an inspiring leader whose fruits are still seen today. Help us to stay focused on the mission you have placed in our hearts. Help us to see that every experience has a purpose. Help us to do whatever it takes to spread the Good News of our Saviour to all ends of the earth. 

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen

Inspiration: 

The Life of Father Francis Jordan (Pancratius Pfeiffer 1930); Chapter 3 Beginning his studies (1869-1870)

Summary:

Living “in the world but not with the world” Francis Jordan was able to hear the call of God more clearly, which led to his acceptance of his mission of the priesthood. However money was still of concern and a possible obstacle to his necessary studies. 

Never one to give up, and knowing the power of trustful prayer, Jordan sought help from the Lord… and then began his lessons. 

The Founder excelled in all his did, surprising his tutor by conquering perceived impossible tasks. He was driven, found studying even when his tutor was late, showed blameless conduct and great diligence. He would study as he walked to his lessons and assist with the household tasks on his return, eating and sleeping little (to the concern of his mother and something he later advised against). 

This determination and persistence was noted by those responsible for his education, who recommended him in testimonials of him. 

Reflection

The picture painted of the character of the Founder in these few years highlight a lot of what his followers today admire in him. A total and complete trust in God. Persistence in the face of challenges. Focus despite weaknesses. 

And people wonder why we admire him!

Francis Jordan’s unwavering diligence and determination played an important role in him being able to achieve all that he did during his lifetime. The skills he learnt – the languages, the ability to work when lacking basic needs – all would have assisted him in the work he did later on. The foundation for who he was to become was developed during this somewhat difficult time. 

There are times in our lives when the pressures can seem overwhelming. When our ability to reach our goal seems ridiculously impossible. These are the times that we can look at the Founder and remember that we have strength we don’t even realise until we try.

Questions to ponder:

1. What things are with the world that you could let go off, or remove yourself from, so as to hear the voice of God more clearly?
2. What gets in the way of you undertaking your mission?
3. Are there situations in your life now that you are trying to control? How might you better entrust these to the Lord?
4. How can you focus better on the areas of your life that you want to have the highest priority?
5. How might you apply the diligence of the Founder to your personal mission? What could be made possible if you do this?

Prayer

Lord, you called Blessed Francis Jordan out of a quiet, simple life to be someone we still talk about today. Help us to be inspired by his example – to be conscious of the ways You reach out to us, to take time to be with You, and to be prepared to change our lives so that they are more focussed on You and what You are asking of us. 

As we ponder the call to holiness this All Saints day, we are reminded of the varied ways we may live out our call. Help us to accept and appreciate our uniqueness and to be encouraged by those around us. 

Through the Divine Saviour we pray. Amen. 

Inspiration

The Life of Father Francis Jordan (Pancratius Pfeiffer 1930); Chapter 2 Decorator (1864-1869)

Summary

His family’s finances being what they were, the Founder could not pursue his desire to study and therefore decided to be a decorator. He was successful in this, gaining esteem from a master decorator and travelling to various places as a journeyman.

He lived simply, was very disciplined, and used his free time to study. He approached this vocation with all his energy and enthusiasm, however he slowly felt a pull in a different direction, that of the priesthood.

Reflection

Sometimes I really wish God would just tell me what He wants me to do. That He would give me a piece of paper up front with a plan for me to follow. An instruction sheet with pictures and a few tools included in the packet (can you tell I have been utilising some flat packs lately!). I’m always happy to do the task, I just struggle sometimes to know what it is.

Blessed Francis Jordan did not seem to have a clear path to his vocation. Things weren’t straightforward and the road was not direct or straight.

However I don’t think these extra steps to priesthood would have been wasted.

Learning skills, living in the world, seeing different places and experiencing different people – all of these things would have helped the Founder to better understand those that he would later be trying to share the Gospel with. The discipline of practice, of earning a living and managing finances, and of doing his best with the task in front of him would have all been skills that would have shaped how he approached his role as a leader and also as a disciple of Christ. Nothing would have gone to waste and the delay was not without purpose.

Blessed Francis Jordan faced many challenges and obstacles in his life, things that seemed to get in the way of him being whom he was meant to be. However, with hindsight, we can see that they were a different part of his personal formation, of making him who he actually was. He didn’t let them get in the way. He embraced each step of his journey and threw himself into them wholeheartedly to maximise the gain. He didn’t get disheartened or disgruntled but kept going along the way.

Questions to ponder

1. What do you do when life throws an obstacle in the path you are walking?
2. How could you throw yourself more wholeheartedly into the part of the journey you are on right now?
3. Blessed Francis Jordan kept a simple life of discipline and study. How could his example inspire you today?
4. Sometimes we think we know the path God has laid out for us, but Francis Jordan shows us that God continues to nudge us along the way. How do you listen for God’s next call in your life?
5. What might God be pulling you towards today?

Prayer

Dear Lord, You alone know the plans you have for us. Help us to not become disgruntled but to listen earnestly for your invitation and to enthusiastically embrace each period of our life.

May we be inspired by the trust Bl Francis Jordan had in You so that we too can not lean on our own understanding, but to willingly follow wherever you call us.

In Your name, we pray.

Inspiration: 

The Life of Father Francis Jordan (Pancratius Pfeiffer 1930); Chapter 1 Jordan’s Home, Birth and Early Youth (1848-1864). 

Summary:

Bl Francis Jordan had a hard, impoverished and simple upbringing. His father was injured and not able to earn much. His mother worked their farm and couldn’t spend much time with her three sons, and John Baptist Jordan was not a fan of study, although naturally bright. He was cheeky and prone to pranks, often as the ringleader, and he frequently skipped school to go fishing. Interestingly, before leaving to study as a priest, the Founder asked pardon for the pranks of his youth. 

At his first communion, Jordan’s behaviour was noted as he seemed restless. When pressed he stated that “a white dove had been fluttering around his head, which then flew up to heaven.” From that moment on, a notable change occurred in him – he was devout, participated in the sacraments, particularly confession, read about the saints and took quiet moments in solitary prayer. 

His father’s death had a significant impact on him. He worked hard to contribute to the family’s livelihood, and he behaved well. He liked time to himself, but had a good nature that meant he was also well liked by others. 

Reflection

The Founder of the Salvatorians didn’t exactly have an extraordinary beginning. He was poor and cheeky and not particularly studious. But things changed. Moments in his life shaped him, and God even sent a sign to him of His presence, that He was truly there in the Eucharist. It was a reminder that when we approach the sacraments, we are entering into a more tangible encounter with Jesus, that those outward signs are truly indicating that God is with us. 

There are times when I feel insignificant or lacking. I haven’t done anything particularly exciting in my life that the world would be interested in. I am not particularly skilled, or gifted, or wealthy, or anything else the world values. However I know that God still is calling me to holiness, as He calls all of us. He calls us all to Himself, to be near to Him. He wants each of us to keep striving to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. He gives us signs. He is with us through every moment. The good and the bad. The obvious and the subtle. 

We need to be prepared to take time to be with Jesus. To talk to Him and to listen to Him. To switch off the world and take ourselves away from all the worries and noise around us. 

Questions to ponder:

1. What about your life makes you feel unworthy to be called to holiness like the saints?
2. What moments in your life were so significant that they brought about a marked change in your behaviour or lifestyle?
3. What things do you regret or wish to be pardoned of before entering into mission and/or ministry?
4. What saints inspire you and why?
5. How does God remind you that He is present in your life? 
6. How might your approach to the sacraments, in particular the Eucharist, change if God sent a clear sign to you that He was there?
7. What is one way you could switch off the world this week so as to have quality time with God?

Prayer

Lord, you called Blessed Francis Jordan out of a quiet, simple life to be someone we still talk about today. Help us to be inspired by his example – to be conscious of the ways You reach out to us, to take time to be with You, and to be prepared to change our lives so that they are more focussed on You and what You are asking of us. 

As we ponder the call to holiness this All Saints day, we are reminded of the varied ways we may live out our call. Help us to accept and appreciate our uniqueness and to be encouraged by those around us.

Through the Divine Saviour we pray. Amen. 

I guess no one starts a blog without a back story. Something that makes them who they are, but also motivates them to try something new.

Mine isn’t that unique.

Taking on a different role in my family life, I found myself unable to live out my Lay Salvatorian commitment in the ways I had been before. Whilst I have had no doubt that this is what I was being called to do, I have not felt completely content. I can justify that I am still trying to spread the Gospel in my new experiences, every day and in all I do. But I also feel some sort of tugging that won’t go away. A sense of something else, an itch that can’t be scratched. I know it’s not for something huge and sensational, but something nonetheless.

I have wanted to spend some of this period in my life learning more about the Founder, understanding him better and being inspired by him more. To get back to the basics. Blessed Francis Jordan is an intriguing person. In many ways, he seems unimportant, unexciting, and not particularly noteworthy. But the more I have learnt about him, the more I admire him. He overcame struggles, persisted despite lack of support and resources, and stayed incredibly firm in his faith through it all.

I am at home more so it’s the perfect opportunity to do more reading and more searching. But I have found it hard to stay consistent. It’s nice to learn things, but then what? What can I do to keep myself on track and accountable and wanting to go deeper? How do I take what I read and reflect on it with no one around?

So here I am.

In many ways, I don’t expect anyone else to read this, and in a lot of ways, I hope they don’t! I am not an author, a writer. I had to work pretty hard at English at school as it was one of my worst subjects. I’m also not a theologian, with no degrees or studies of this sort.

I am just me, curious to know more, and with a desire to be inspired. And trying to live out my charism to use all ways and means to share the Gospel. To not rest content until all know, love and serve Jesus Christ as their saviour.

So I guess it’s time to stop procrastinating and time to get on with it!