Finding strength and purpose with Blessed Francis Jordan

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.