We see in the newspapers and on television, the unspeakable being visited on the children of God. St. Bonaventure says:
“In all the poor. That most Christian poor man also saw before him A portrait of Christ;
he not only gave freely to those he met the necessities of life,
if these had even been given to him,
but he also resolved they should be returned,
as if they truly belonged to them."
Major Life
As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans, with a gentle and courteous spirit, accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ.
A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially the lowly for whom they shall strive to create conditions worthy of people redeemed by Christ. - SFO Rule #13
Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively…SFO Rule #14.
Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith…SFO Rule #15.
Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon… SFO Rule #19.
My heart aches. How can we bring Christ’s message to our fraternities, our communities, our country?
Thanks to Thersa Baker.
Peace
Doug Hagen
Spiritual Assistant
Regional Fraternity of Eastern Canada