Let Us Begin Again: A Invitation

Francis of Assisi, who was called the “little poor man,” rediscovered the Gospel as a way of life. The Secular Franciscan Order is a community of men and women in the world who seek to pattern their lives after St. Francis of Assisi, and through him, Christ Jesus.

It has been in existence for over 750 years. Today, it includes over 700,000 members throughout the world. We invite you to join us. We believe that we have been called by the Spirit of God to live the Gospel, a vocation we cannot fulfill alone; we know we need other Christians, a community or fraternity that helps us in praying and serving others.

As St. Francis experienced a conversion of his life, so he leads us into a new world through a conversion experience. Each member is led through various steps of (1) looking over the Rule, (2) trying the Rule out through a program of prayer, study and action, and (3) making a “profession” of the Secular Franciscan Rule as their own way of life.

We are not called to leave the world, but to transform it. We remain in our families, maintain and deepen our friendships. But as we live our lives, our ideas, our prayer, and our lifestyle grow and change. The Spirit gives us light and power to transform and free us from all that hinders us from loving God and each other.

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• We are brothers and sisters in a fraternity, expecting prayer and support from each other.

• We read and pray and live the Gospel to learn the ways of Christ.

• We are joined with Jesus and each other in the Eucharist.

• We are able to deepen our life of prayer and our union with God.

• We have special concern for the works of peace and reconciliation.

• We live simply, value persons above possessions, sharing what we have with others.

• We strengthen our loyalty to the Church and her shepherds, as to the Lord.

• We strive to help the sick, the poor and the oppressed.

• We are able to develop leadership skills, receiving the gifts of the Lord with gratitude.

• We receive strength to overcome the difficulties of life.

• We receive healing from the Lord and each other.

Connecting with Scripture

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road.

"Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” —Luke 10:1–9

Application to Daily Life

• Reflect on where you have been in your life, how the Lord has been working. Admit your weaknesses and failures and trust in the power of the Lord to change you. Fear nothing and nobody.

• Give yourself to Jesus. Promise to work for him and his kingdom.

Prayer

What way am I to go from this point in my life, Lord,

now that I know your faithful Francis better?

How am I to follow his way, your way?

Show me, Lord. Lead me, Lord. I am yours.

Amen.

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