This is a very important lesson -  this is what we (Secular Franciscans) do.

BUT WHAT DO YOU DO?

One of the most common questions we Secular Franciscans hear from those just getting to know us is: “But what do you do?” How do we answer this question if we want people who live in an action-oriented society to have a good understanding of what we are about?

We can start with, “It’s not what we do but who we are.” We live the Gospel by following the example of St. Francis. We make a life-long promise to live out our Baptismal commitment. But, the question persists, “WHAT DO YOU DO?”

• We are peacemakers: We listen to both sides; we do not sow discord.
• We care for creation: More than loving animals, we are stewards of all that God created. We see that it is good and beautiful and encourage others to do the same by our example and actions.
• We stand with the poor: We not only serve, but we work to make their lives better.
• We look for the good in others: We try to treat everyone with patience and kindness, even those we don't like.
• We are people of relationship: we love to pray together and to collaborate in our fraternities and at work, school, and in family life.
• We are welcoming: we seek to see what is lovable in those who may seem unlovable
• We are people of prayer and conversion: we try to deepen our relationship with Jesus each day by spending time with him and by being willing to change what needs to be changed in our lives.
• We are people focused on the Incarnation: the Crib, the Cross, and the Eucharist. We frequently meditate on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ, coming to know him well through the Gospels. We receive communion frequently because we know he is present in the Eucharist.
• We use our God-given gifts in the service of others, but we don't seek recognition.
• We live simple lives: we are not “showy.”
• We live the spirit of poverty: We esteem work and work hard to support ourselves and our families, but money and possessions are not our goal.
• We live detachment: we are focused on Christ rather that on possessions or personal recognition. We don't cling to the world, to possessions, or to a personal agenda.
• We are generous: we are not addicted to wealth, pleasure, power, position, or honor. We serve when asked, but we serve gratuitously.
• We are joyful, kind, gentle, and merciful: Franciscans are willing to forgive; when we need to correct others, we do so gently and with love.
• We support the mission of the Church: we help to move it forward by our participation and collaboration
• We evangelize through our example: we also evangelize through our service to others (our apostolates)

So, what we do, is to bring our baptismal commitment to life with a Franciscan flavor. We have promised this with all our hearts. How about you, what do YOU do?

For discussion in a group, with a prayer partner, or to answer in your journal.

Formation Friday, August 19, 2022

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