
Surrounded by Love
Seven Teachings of St. Francis
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $20.00
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Murray Bodo O.F.M.
About this listen
In his newest book, Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM, brings to life seven teachings from the life and writings of St. Francis of Assisi in the prayerful, lyrical style his fans will recognize. These seven teachings are both a way and a destination, the way being transformation and the destination being the love of God. St Francis invites us to go on a journey from love through love into love.
The seven teachings outlined here - plus an eighth teaching on love, the teaching behind all teachings - define a spirituality for our own time that anyone can learn to practice in his or her own life, anyone who has an attitude of reverence for others and for the earth and all of nature, and who acknowledges the existence of a higher power that is beyond what one can perceive with the senses.
St. Francis was not a medieval theologian but a teacher of wisdom who used sayings, stories, and rituals to show us how we can allow God to transform our lives. In this, as in everything else, he was following in the footsteps of Jesus, who is the mystery of the fullness of God among us. You, too, can follow in Jesus’ footsteps with these teachings:
- The First Teaching: The Wonder of the Incarnation
- The Second Teaching: The Paradox of Evangelical Poverty
- The Third Teaching: Live the Gospel
- The Fourth Teaching: Go and Repair God’s House
- The Fifth Teaching: Making Peace
- The Sixth Teaching: All Creatures Are Our Brothers and Sisters
- The Seventh Teaching: The Joy of Humble Praise and Service of God
- The Teaching of Teachings: Love
This simple map for living is why St. Francis is still admired today in our fractious and divided world. What he teaches, if lived, brings joy, which is the result of union with God, who lives with us and within all of creation.
Meditating on these teachings from St. Francis will give you hope; for hope is the grace to imagine a future more positive, more loving, and more joyful than the world we now find ourselves in. As St. Francis used to say to his brothers, “Let us begin to do good, for up to now we have done nothing.”
©2018 Murray Bodo (P)2018 Franciscan MediaListeners also enjoyed...
-
Francis
- The Journey and the Dream
- By: Murray Bodo O.F.M.
- Narrated by: Murray Bodo O.F.M., John Michael Talbot
- Length: 5 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1972, a young Franciscan friar named Murray Bodo wrote a unique book about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis: The Journey and the Dream offered people a unique combination of lyrical prose and brief, absorbing vignettes that inspired hundreds of thousands of people all over the world to contemplate the life of the famous saint and see him in a new way. Fifty years and over 200,000 copies later, this book still captivates people everywhere, and Fr. Bodo is still writing about St. Francis and the Franciscan way of life.
-
-
Beautiful story
- By William C Scott on 10-25-24
-
Francis and Jesus
- By: Murray Bodo
- Narrated by: Murray Bodo, Richard Rohr
- Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Francis and Jesus is the story of how the poor and humble St. Francis of Assisi gave away all to gain all, sharing in God's kingdom on Earth. Francis' life exemplifies what it means to be a genuine disciple of Jesus, walking in Christ's footsteps to show how ultimate truth is lived in small, unique ways. Franciscan Father Murray Bodo takes us on the journey with Francis, as we see his pain, his suffering, his dying to self. On that difficult road we are reminded that death to self creates new life....
-
-
A tender, loving, and remarkably detailed telling
- By Gary Wayne Miller on 07-10-19
By: Murray Bodo
-
Mystics
- Twelve Who Reveal God's Love
- By: Murray Bodo OFM
- Narrated by: Murray Bodo OFM, John Quigley OFM
- Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Christianity is a mysterious faith. Some of these mysteries can be described with Scripture or doctrine, but others can only be experienced. Those graced with these experiences, these intimate glimpses of God, are called mystics. Murray Bodo's sensitive guidance leads us into the heart of what these mystics have expressed about God and how their insight can deepen our own experience of the boundless mystery of a loving God. This updated and expanded edition includes new chapters on St. Clare and St. Bonaventure.
-
-
The Way of the Mystics
- By Flowjam on 06-12-21
By: Murray Bodo OFM
-
Things Hidden
- Scripture as Spirituality
- By: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
- Narrated by: John Quigley O.F.M.
- Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Bible is meant to be about transformation, not merely information. In Things Hidden, Richard Rohr invites you to experience Scripture as spirituality - as a living text that can breathe new life into your relationship with God and change your way of seeing the world.
-
-
excellent and inspirational in the insights
- By Nana on 11-03-22
-
Nourishing Love
- A Franciscan Celebration of Mary
- By: Murray Bodo OFM
- Narrated by: Douglas James
- Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
St. Francis had a deep and lifelong devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, committing his order to her care. Franciscan Murray Bodo explores that relationship in this evocative and deeply spiritual encounter with Marian devotion across the centuries.
-
-
Beautiful, Peaceful, and Sacred
- By Joseph D Hollowell on 06-04-22
By: Murray Bodo OFM
-
The Art of Letting Go
- Living the Wisdom of Saint Francis
- By: Richard Rohr OFM
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr OFM
- Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We often think of saints as rare individuals whose gifts far exceed our own, and St. Francis is no exception. But for Fr. Richard Rohr, a prolific author and renowned speaker, the life and teachings of this beloved figure offer an authentic spirituality we can all embody.
-
-
Series of lectures on spiritual development
- By Adam Shields on 08-01-13
By: Richard Rohr OFM
-
Francis
- The Journey and the Dream
- By: Murray Bodo O.F.M.
- Narrated by: Murray Bodo O.F.M., John Michael Talbot
- Length: 5 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1972, a young Franciscan friar named Murray Bodo wrote a unique book about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis: The Journey and the Dream offered people a unique combination of lyrical prose and brief, absorbing vignettes that inspired hundreds of thousands of people all over the world to contemplate the life of the famous saint and see him in a new way. Fifty years and over 200,000 copies later, this book still captivates people everywhere, and Fr. Bodo is still writing about St. Francis and the Franciscan way of life.
-
-
Beautiful story
- By William C Scott on 10-25-24
-
Francis and Jesus
- By: Murray Bodo
- Narrated by: Murray Bodo, Richard Rohr
- Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Francis and Jesus is the story of how the poor and humble St. Francis of Assisi gave away all to gain all, sharing in God's kingdom on Earth. Francis' life exemplifies what it means to be a genuine disciple of Jesus, walking in Christ's footsteps to show how ultimate truth is lived in small, unique ways. Franciscan Father Murray Bodo takes us on the journey with Francis, as we see his pain, his suffering, his dying to self. On that difficult road we are reminded that death to self creates new life....
-
-
A tender, loving, and remarkably detailed telling
- By Gary Wayne Miller on 07-10-19
By: Murray Bodo
-
Mystics
- Twelve Who Reveal God's Love
- By: Murray Bodo OFM
- Narrated by: Murray Bodo OFM, John Quigley OFM
- Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Christianity is a mysterious faith. Some of these mysteries can be described with Scripture or doctrine, but others can only be experienced. Those graced with these experiences, these intimate glimpses of God, are called mystics. Murray Bodo's sensitive guidance leads us into the heart of what these mystics have expressed about God and how their insight can deepen our own experience of the boundless mystery of a loving God. This updated and expanded edition includes new chapters on St. Clare and St. Bonaventure.
-
-
The Way of the Mystics
- By Flowjam on 06-12-21
By: Murray Bodo OFM
-
Things Hidden
- Scripture as Spirituality
- By: Richard Rohr O.F.M.
- Narrated by: John Quigley O.F.M.
- Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Bible is meant to be about transformation, not merely information. In Things Hidden, Richard Rohr invites you to experience Scripture as spirituality - as a living text that can breathe new life into your relationship with God and change your way of seeing the world.
-
-
excellent and inspirational in the insights
- By Nana on 11-03-22
-
Nourishing Love
- A Franciscan Celebration of Mary
- By: Murray Bodo OFM
- Narrated by: Douglas James
- Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
St. Francis had a deep and lifelong devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, committing his order to her care. Franciscan Murray Bodo explores that relationship in this evocative and deeply spiritual encounter with Marian devotion across the centuries.
-
-
Beautiful, Peaceful, and Sacred
- By Joseph D Hollowell on 06-04-22
By: Murray Bodo OFM
-
The Art of Letting Go
- Living the Wisdom of Saint Francis
- By: Richard Rohr OFM
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr OFM
- Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We often think of saints as rare individuals whose gifts far exceed our own, and St. Francis is no exception. But for Fr. Richard Rohr, a prolific author and renowned speaker, the life and teachings of this beloved figure offer an authentic spirituality we can all embody.
-
-
Series of lectures on spiritual development
- By Adam Shields on 08-01-13
By: Richard Rohr OFM
-
The Spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi
- By: William J. Short
- Narrated by: William J. Short
- Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi invites you to learn from the Franciscan tradition of living the Gospel. In this inspiring course, you will look at the spiritual writings of St. Francis and his followers as well as how they put their beliefs into practice. Br. William Short's powerful yet accessible lectures deliver you the heart of the treasures from this "little poor man of Assisi".
-
-
Inspiring!
- By Michael Bloom on 10-11-19
By: William J. Short
-
Jesus' Alternative Plan
- The Sermon on the Mount
- By: Richard Rohr OFM
- Narrated by: Dean Gallagher
- Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Richard Rohr Rohr goes through the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, explaining the historical and cultural context of each verse and offering guidance for what it means for Christians today.
-
-
Richard's commentary on Matthew's gospel
- By Anonymous User on 03-30-23
By: Richard Rohr OFM
-
St. Francis of Assisi: A New Way of Being Christian
- By: William J. Short
- Narrated by: William J. Short
- Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What does it mean to be an imitator of Christ? Find out by exploring the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi and the movements he inspired with one of the world's leading Franciscan experts as your guide.
-
-
Life changing
- By Jarrod Dillon on 01-12-20
By: William J. Short
-
Falling Upward
- A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr
- Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the first half of life, we are naturally preoccupied with establishing ourselves; climbing, achieving, and performing. But as we grow older and encounter challenges and mistakes, we need to see ourselves in a different and more life-giving way. This message of falling down - that is in fact moving upward - is the most resisted and counterintuitive of messages in the world's religions. Falling Upward offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life's mysteries: how those who have fallen down are the only ones who understand "up".
-
-
I almost gave up on Christianity until I read this
- By J. Mark Wells on 09-03-14
By: Richard Rohr
-
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist
- Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper
- By: Brant Pitre, Scott Hahn - foreword
- Narrated by: David Cochran Heath
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In recent years, Christians everywhere are rediscovering the Jewish roots of their faith. Every year at Easter time, many believers now celebrate Passover meals (known as Seders) seeking to understand exactly what happened at Jesus' final Passover, the night before he was crucified. Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist shines fresh light on the Last Supper by looking at it through Jewish eyes.
-
-
I am a Protestant trying to learn more about the significance of the Eucharist and I feel that my eyes have been opened up ..
- By Kim Lank on 03-08-18
By: Brant Pitre, and others
-
The Way of Saint Francis
- Teachings and Practices for Daily Life
- By: Father Murray Bodo
- Narrated by: Father Murray Bodo
- Length: 3 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Who was medieval Italy's Francis of Assisi? Millions knew him as the saint who first received the stigmata of Christ, as a champion of the poor, and as a mystic who possessed a divine rapport with the natural world. But few know that Saint Francis also created an extraordinary system of practices to radiate a joyfulness of spirit inward to the soul and outward to the world. On The Way of Saint Francis, scholar and friar Murray Bodo reveals the life of this celebrated saint and shares specific meditations, prayers, and teachings to cultivate the 5 great keys of Franciscan spirituality: Silence, how to use inner and outer quietude to prepare a sacred dwelling place within; Purification, true forgiveness, the secret to purifying the heart; Openness, how to embrace your deeper suffering and simpler joys in the manner and spirit of Saint Francis; Response, the way of the Poor Christ, a life made rich through prayer, contemplation, and selfless service; Time, how we enter the state of the timeless divine. You will learn how to use each of these miraculous keys to open the door to the cell within - a sacred inner space of stillness and strength available to you at any time and in any situation - and to transform yourself into a true instrument of peace.
-
-
Way of St. Francis
- By Fr. Ron on 07-07-15
-
A Spring Within Us
- A Book of Daily Meditations
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: John Quigley OFM
- Length: 23 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In these daily reflections, Richard Rohr invites us to rediscover the spring hidden inside. He reminds us of our inherent belovedness and God’s indwelling presence. Remembering who we truly are is a gradual lifelong journey, but Fr. Richard offers insights to ease the process and lead us back to our Source. The meditations follow the arc of life, from innocence, through inevitable brokenness, to putting ourselves back together, through ripening into union - with self, God, the world, and others.
-
-
I love these meditations. I listen every day.
- By kc-dreamer on 01-27-22
By: Richard Rohr
-
The Universal Christ
- How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope for, and Believe
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what is at stake in matters of faith and spirituality. Yet Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity: Jesus. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world.
-
-
Off the Reservation
- By Amazon Customer on 07-04-19
By: Richard Rohr
-
Saint Francis and the Franciscans 101: A New Way of Living the Gospel
- By: William J. Short
- Narrated by: William J. Short
- Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Take solace in the Franciscans’ powerful faith with one of the world’s leading experts on St. Francis of Assisi. Throughout seven engaging lectures originally produced for Franciscan ministries, you’ll learn what defines the Franciscan view: a focus on the individual, a championing of interdependence, and a dedication to living with open hands.
-
-
Very solid overview
- By William C Scott on 10-08-24
By: William J. Short
-
Till We Have Faces
- A Myth Retold
- By: C. S. Lewis
- Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Set in the pre-Christian world of Glome on the outskirts of Greek civilization, it is a tale of two princesses: the beautiful Psyche, who is loved by the god of love himself, and Orual, Psyche's unattractive and embittered older sister, who loves Psyche with a destructive possessiveness. Her frustration and jealousy over Psyche's fate sets Orual on the troubled path of self-discovery. Lewis's last work of fiction, this is often considered his best by critics.
-
-
One of a kind.
- By Stephanie on 07-07-10
By: C. S. Lewis
-
The Life of St. Francis of Assisi
- By: Saint Bonaventure
- Narrated by: Kevin O'Brien
- Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Francis, go and build up my house, which thou seest, is falling into ruin." To fulfill this command of Our Lord, St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) began by restoring physical churches and continued by building up the spiritual church in souls. Francis' humility, purity, and true joy inspired many to conversion and a deeper faith.
-
-
Great
- By Paul Silva on 07-25-22
-
The Story of a Soul
- The Autobiography of the Little Flower - Tan Classics
- By: St. Therese of Lisieux
- Narrated by: Colleen Hammond
- Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Story of a Soul conveys St. Therese of Lisieux's "Little Way" of spiritual childhood - her "elevator" to Heaven, as she called it. This method was approved by Pope Pius XI as a way for all to grow in holiness through unfailing confidence and childlike delight in God's merciful love. Again and again in this audiobook, St. Therese shows us how her "Little Way" of love and trust comes straight from Sacred Scripture.
-
-
I love this book. the reading like in kindergarten
- By Amazon Customer on 11-16-19
Critic reviews
"A beautiful meditation on the spiritual wisdom of the Poverello and its practical value for today. In this elegantly written book, Murray Bodo brings Francis of Assisi’s life experiences and teachings into dialogue with our contemporary world, showing our need for the breathtaking beauty of the Franciscan spiritual and theological visions." (Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ, Franciscan School of Theology)
"Fr. Murray Bodo illuminates the grace of the Franciscan tradition and its ongoing relevance, importance, and timeliness with each of his brilliant and poetic books. Surrounded by Love is both an introduction to and a meditation on the wisdom of St. Francis of Assisi that the world so desperately needs today. This is a must-read book!" (Daniel P. Horan, OFM, author, God Is Not Fair and Other Reasons for Gratitude and Dating God: Live and Love in the Way of St. Francis)
"Whether you are new to the Franciscan tradition or deeply rooted in its spirituality, Surrounded by Love is a wonderfully inspiring read. While the stories of St. Francis may be familiar to many, Murray Bodo’s storytelling ability and poetic insights give them a renewed character, allowing the reader to enter into the mind and heart of the great saint in a profound way." (Casey Cole, OFM, founder of Breaking in the Habit Media and author of Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God)
What listeners say about Surrounded by Love
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 04-23-19
So inspirational and humbling to hear
This was very moving. Easy to listen to, and motivates you to want to be just like him.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ellen Gilmartin
- 07-06-22
Redundancies and gaps
This is not put together as an effective single book. Rather it is a compilation, with some information which would help make an earlier section not coming until much later, and some not at all.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Spring-love
- 08-11-23
Refreshing and Inspirational
I was drawn to this book to learn more about the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. It’s a great introduction and overview for those that are new to St. Francis inspiring story and legacy. The author share the information in a very practical and simplified manner. I loved it 🙏🏻
To the author and publisher:
Thank you for creating this lovely book!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!