By word and example
1. The Apostle says: The letter kills, but the spirit gives life (2 Cor 3:6). 2. Those are killed by the letter who merely wish to know the words alone, so that they may be esteemed as wiser than...
View ArticleThe disguise of being too busy
As Francis indicated in his Admonitions, the heart must not turn away from God under “pretexts” of occupations. Too often today in our busy world we hear complaints of “I do not have enough time” to...
View ArticleIt destroys hatred and preserves love
Generosity is one of the attributes of God, Who causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall upon all, whether just or unjust, and ministers to all most lovingly the necessaries of life. Generosity is...
View ArticleBecause by your holy cross
We adore you and we bless you, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all the churches which are in the whole world, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. ~ St. Francis of Assisi Tags: Cross,...
View ArticleWho thought it a worthy thing
I beg you, Lord, let the glowing and honey-sweet force of your love draw my mind away from all things that are under heaven, that I may die for love of the love of you who thought it a worthy thing to...
View ArticleFrancis fell asleep in God (Transitus)
When the hour of his death approached, Francis asked that all of the brothers living with him be called to his death bed and softening his departure with consoling words, he encouraged them with...
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For man to regain control
If technology remained in the service of what is higher than itself — reason, man, God — it might indeed fulfill some of the functions that are now mythically attributed to it. But becoming autonomous,...
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Make Jesus present
The only thing people take notice of is living witness … and what makes us living witnesses is the Beatitudes. … When we live the Beatitudes, we make Jesus present and we become signs of contradiction...
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The result of an authentic vocation
FOREWORD TO VOCATION, CHARISM AND MISSION OF SECULAR FRANCISCANS (Section 10 of the NAFRA FUN Manual) Too often, especially in the past, candidates were admitted into the Order simply “because they...
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If you accept your emptiness
If we loved our poverty more, we would take it a lot better. I want to strive with intellectual and spiritual possessions, but that is not the way to union with God, nor the way to sanctity and...
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Remember
As we proclaim the good news, remember that it is “good” news and not a set of condemnations and prohibitions. The gospel message is a call to intimacy, to love, to forgive, to embrace, to include, to...
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The Secular Franciscan Monthly Pledge
We realize the importance of giving glory to God, of striving for holiness and of working for the spiritual and temporal welfare of others. We see the great value of the Secular Franciscan Way of Life...
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Sincerely dedicated
Perhaps, you will not be required to pour out your blood as a martyr, but you will certainly be asked to give a coherent and steadfast witness in fulfilling the promises made at your Baptism and...
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With joy and hope
Without diminishing our beliefs, we approach others with love rather than domination. We approach others with a desire to share what is important to us rather than make them feel insignificant or...
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A path for the Holy Spirit
Conversion has two elements for its completion. First, we need to rid ourselves of the things that hinder gospel living. That includes not only “stuff” but also habits, attitudes, mindsets, lifestyles...
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We have to make it happen!
The ministry of promoting justice and peace must, therefore, touch the attitudes and actions of every Secular Franciscan. As important as it is, it is not enough merely to pray for social justice to...
View ArticleThe truly obedient soul
The truly obedient soul looks not to the greater or less difficulty of the order, but to the authority of him who commands, and the merit of obedience. ~ St. Francis of Assisi Tags: obedience, order,...
View ArticlePossess and preserve that joyousness of spirit
When the servant of God endeavours with all his strength to possess and preserve that joyousness of spirit which proceeds from purity of heart and which is acquired by fervent prayer the demons may try...
View ArticleIf you still continue to love
Be always patient and well disposed. If one of your brothers offends you in any way, offer to God the pain you experience. By this mark I shall know if you are the true servants of our Divine Master:...
View ArticlePatience and humility
Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor disturbance. ~ St. Francis of Assisi, The Admonitions Tags: admonition, anger, humility, patience, st francis of asissi
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