Examine your Love and Commitment
• CONVERSION: the letting go of one’s ego…”
• “One is dying to a false self that tries to BE God, that tries to always be in control.”
• This is a reversal, a “TURNING TOWARD” the Holy Spirit at work within us.
– Francis and Jesus by Murray Bodo, OFM
1- Prayerfully participate in electing and supporting my local Council.
• Pray for them every day
• Use my God-given talents to collaborate on and assist with all projects.
What are some ways I can support my Councill?
Do I have talents and abilities that call me to serve on the Council?
2- Love my fraternity
• Be present at gatherings.
• Listen to my brothers and sisters.
• Offer to help out
• Reach out to excused members or to anyone who has missed a meeting. (Phone, email, card).
• Pray for our deceased members and for all those listed on the Prayer list
• Take note that for Franciscans, fraternity is a way of life (not just another “thing to do”).
What talents do I have to offer my fraternity?
Do I participate willingly in fraternity activities?
3- Love our Rule
• Be sure that I am aware of what I promised at profession.
• Read, pray and meditate on the Rule—perhaps one or two articles each day.
• Think about how the Rule leads me closer to Christ.
When was the last time I read the Rule?
Do I relate the Rule to my everyday life?
4- Love Scripture
• Be aware that St. Francis based everything he said or wrote on Scripture.
• Resolve to read a little Scripture each day.
• Pray the Liturgy of the Hours because it helps me pray in fraternity (with the entire Church) and is filled with Scripture.
Do I read Scripture each day?
Do I go from Gospel to life and life to the Gospel?
5- Strive for daily conversion
• Attempt to be a little better each day.
• Make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Remember that we are the “Brothers and Sisters of Penance.”
Do I review my actions and relationship with God each day?
How have I changed since I first became a Franciscan? How have I changed since last week?
BEST FOR LAST
6- Love the Eucharist and be changed by it
• Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy days and every day if I can
• Take advantage of opportunities for Adoration—holy hours or just a visit to the tabernacle
What is my relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist?
Do I often visit with Jesus when there is an opportunity to attend Adoration?
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Chair, National Formation Commission
