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FORMATION FRIDAY – Liturgical Prayer for Secular Franciscans – September 10, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters,  

Today’s lesson is about Liturgical Prayer for Secular Franciscans.  This is such an important topic and is a review of a previous Formation Friday a couple of years ago.  According to the RULE and Constitution, we should pray some form of liturgical prayer each day.  Hope you enjoy reading about this topic and will find renewed joy in prayer.  Be sure to watch the Youtube video on the link at the bottom of this email.  Peace, Dona

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Liturgical Prayer for Secular Franciscans

Because the topic is so important, this week we offer a repeat of a Formation Friday from December 2019.

Here are the references from the Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order-

Rule:

Article 8. As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, so let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do. Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist. Let them join in liturgical prayer in one of the forms proposed by the Church, reliving the mysteries of the life of Christ.

This is further explained in the General Constitutions:

Article 14.4 The brothers and sisters, as well as the fraternities, should adhere to the indications of the Ritual concerning the different forms of participating in the liturgical prayer of the Church, giving priority to the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours.

 

Here is the reference from the Ritual (See Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order, Appendix Part III, pp. 39-40 or the Brown USA Ritual Appendix II pp. 103-104):

Part Three

Liturgical Prayer

For the Members of the Secular Franciscan Order

26. According to the OFS Rule (art. 8), the members of the Secular Franciscan Order are to join in liturgical prayer in one of the forms proposed by the Church, reliving the mysteries of Christ.

27. These prayers may be:

a. Morning and evening prayer from The Liturgy of the Hours, either in common or in private. These celebrations are to be preferred at the fraternity meeting.

b. A shortened form of The Liturgy of the Hours according to forms adapted to the local Churches.

c. The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

d. The Office of the Passion written by St. Francis of Assisi

e. The office of the twelve Our Fathers in one of its many versions that have been enriched with short biblical readings and also adapted to the structure of The Liturgy of the Hours, especially since this form of prayer still thrives in many parts of the world and is a useful way of praying in everyday circumstances.

[in the brown USA Ritual, there are two other items:]

·        Other forms of liturgical prayer are approved by the spiritual assistant or by one’s spiritual director, as long as they contain psalms (or their equivalent), Scripture readings, and prayers.

·        Special Prayer forms for the liturgical seasons, for example, a) The Way of the Cross during Lent (with Scripture readings), b) The Rosary or Franciscan Crown during May and October (with Scripture readings.)

 

Possibilities for the Liturgy of the Hours

 

+Shorter Christian Prayer*

+Christian Prayer*

 

+Four volume breviary*

+I-breviary (app)

 

+Divine Office.org (app and website)

 

*If you are new to this form of prayer and choose to use one of these books, have someone help you learn to use it.

You might be interested in this video about the LOH on YouTube. https://youtu.be/Z-uLI7husAs

 

Questions for discussion or to answer in your journal:

+Do you pray the Liturgy of the Hours? Which hours do you pray? Why are these hours important to you?

+If not, which of the alternatives above do you pray?

+Why are these forms of prayer important to us as Secular Franciscans?

 

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Oración litúrgica por los franciscanos seglares

Debido a que el tema es tan importante, esta semana ofrecemos una repetición de un viernes de formación a partir de diciembre de 2019.

De acuerdo con nuestra Regla y Constituciones, debemos rezar alguna forma de oración litúrgica todos los días. Aquí están las referencias de los Documentos Esenciales de la Orden Franciscana Seglar:

Regla:

Artículo 8. Como Jesucristo fue el verdadero adorador del Padre, del mismo modo los Franciscanos seglares hagan de la oración y de la contemplación el alma del propio ser y del propio obrar14. Participen de la vida sacramental de la Iglesia, especialmente de la Eucaristía, y asóciense a la oración litúrgica en alguna de las formas propuestas por la misma Iglesia, reviviendo así los misterios de la vida de Cristo.

 

Esto se explica con más detalle en las Constituciones Generales:

Artículo 14.4- Los hermanos y las Fraternidades aténganse a las indicaciones del Ritual en lo referente a las distintas formas de asociarse a la oración litúrgica de la Iglesia, privilegiando la celebración de la Liturgia de las Horas14.

Aquí está la referencia del Ritual (Ver Documentos Esenciales de la Orden Franciscana Seglar, Apéndice Parte III, págs. 39-40 o el Apéndice II del Ritual de USA págs. 103-104):

Parte tres

Oración litúrgica

Para los miembros de la Orden Franciscana Seglar

26. Según la Regla OFS (art. 8), los miembros de la Orden Franciscana Seglar deben unirse en la oración litúrgica en una de las formas propuestas por la Iglesia, reviviendo los misterios de Cristo.

27. Estas oraciones pueden ser:

una. Oración matutina y vespertina de la Liturgia de las Horas, ya sea en común o en privado. Estas celebraciones se prefieren en el encuentro de la fraternidad.

B. Una forma abreviada de la Liturgia de las Horas según formas adaptadas a las Iglesias locales.

C. El Oficio de la Santísima Virgen María.

D. El Oficio de la Pasión escrito por San Francisco de Asís

E. El oficio de los doce Padre Nuestros en una de sus muchas versiones que se han enriquecido con breves lecturas bíblicas y también se han adaptado a la estructura de la Liturgia de las Horas, especialmente porque esta forma de oración todavía prospera en muchas partes del mundo y es una forma útil de rezar en las circunstancias cotidianas.

[en el ritual marrón de EE. UU., hay otros dos elementos:]

• Otras formas de oración litúrgica aprobadas por el asistente espiritual o por el director espiritual, siempre que contengan salmos (o su equivalente), lecturas bíblicas y oraciones.

• Formas especiales de oración para los tiempos litúrgicos, por ejemplo: a) El Vía Crucis durante la Cuaresma (con lectura de las Escrituras), b) El Rosario o Corona Franciscana durante mayo y octubre (con lecturas de las Escrituras).

Posibilidades para la liturgia de las horas

+ Oración cristiana más corta *

+ Oración cristiana *

+ Breviario de cuatro volúmenes *

+ I-breviario (aplicación)

+ Divine Office.org (aplicación y sitio web)

 

* Si es nuevo en esta forma de oración y elige usar uno de estos libros, pídale a alguien que lo ayude a aprender a usarlo.

Puede que le interese este video sobre la LOH en YouTube. https://youtu.be/Z-uLI7husAs

 

Preguntas para platicar o para responder en su diario:

+ ¿Reza la Liturgia de las Horas? ¿A qué horas rezas? ¿Por qué estas horas son importantes para usted?

+ Si no es así, ¿cuál de los suplentes de arriba reza?

+ ¿Por qué estas formas de oración son importantes para nosotros como franciscanos seglares?

 

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Chair, National Formation Commission
Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Region
 
 
Liturgy-of-the-Hours.jpg

Becoming Prayer For Peace and Social Justice – Pt 1

(This article originally appeared in the Spring/Summer Issue of the TAU-USA Issue #103)

by Carolyn D. Townes, OFS, National Animator

So often over the past few years, when there is a national tragedy like a mass shooting, the default reaction is for prayer. Then the response comes back that prayer is not enough; we need to do something to halt the violence: we need to work for tighter gun control; we need to take action to stop the violence. And yes, this is very true. We do need to work and take action against the violence that permeates our nation and our world. But do we do away with prayer altogether, as if it is not enough to end the violence? Do we march forth into battle with no preparatory crying out to God for guidance and strength? Are we to fight the good fight on our own accord, in our own power?

Our Holy Rule states fervently, “As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, so let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do” (Art. 8a). Just as the great prophets of old fell on their faces crying out to God for deliverance from their enemies and their oppression, we too must cry out to God with the same passion and conviction. One such example was the prophet Nehemiah.

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the King of Susa during the exile. He received word that the Israelites who had returned to Jerusalem were in great need. Their city needed a wall of protection Nehemiah prayed to God, and God sent him to help build this wall. All throughout the book of Nehemiah, we see that he prays to God every step of the way. By the end of the book, the wall is built, and Nehemiah continues to pray for the repentance of the people and their return to God and God’s covenant.

Through the tragedies of life, the storms of life, the violence and hatred, God must be our first line of defense and not our last resort when all else fails. And how do we get God’s attention? Through fervent prayer.

At the beginning of this year, I wanted our Secular brothers and sisters to fall on our faces, repent and cry out to God to restore our troubled land. I hosted two separate prayer services for lamentations and hope on Zoom. Both sessions, attended by about 150 Franciscans from across the United States and Guam, reminded us all that we can do nothing in our own power; but it is the power of God who will forgive our sins and heal our land. The passage from the Book of Chronicles came to me as I moved forward with the prayer service:

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

The call to pursue peace and social justice can seem quite overwhelming. And in that situation, all we know to do is to cry out to God in prayer, as did the prophets of old. This is the best place to begin when you are feeling helpless from being overwhelmed. Then God, who hears our prayer, will animate and guide us in what is ours to do. Perhaps all we are to do is pray. Or we are to write letters to our legislators. Or we are to gather our fraternity members to pray and then feed the hungry. God will not show us what is ours to do if we do not pray and ask. “Lord, show me what is mine to do today for your Kingdom and your glory!”

I will leave you with the words I received from the Holy Spirit when I fell on my face and cried out to God asking what was mine to do in this time of strife and violence. These words were downloaded into my heart. I shared this poem on the virtual prayer service and I share it here:

IMAGINE A WORLD: A POEM OF LAMENT

Imagine a world where there is no violence  where there is only compassion and care.

Imagine a world where there is no despair where we thrive on hope, for ourselves and one another.

Imagine a world where there is no division where we know that our neighbor is for us and we are always about the business of unity.

Imagine a world where there are no wars, no injustice, no oppression, and no divisions.

Imagine a world where children can flourish and grow and are not thrown away before they have seen the light of day.

Imagine a world where compassion and empathy and care are the norm, and we rise up and reach out to any who are not under the mantle of mercy and peace.

Can you imagine this world? Can you take just one moment, the time it takes to breathe a breath, to imagine this world?

Breathe it; feel it; see it; be it – just because you truly need it.

We all need this world. We all need to be reminded that this is not our world, that this world belongs to God our Creator, God our Redeemer, God our Comforter.

God gave us this world to keep and care and love and honor. God gave us this world to love our neighbors and have no enemies. God gave us this world to cultivate and till and sow and reap.

And what have we done in return?

Oh, look what we have done in return?

Oh God, please forgive us! God, please hear us!

As we cry out to You with our heads bowed low in mourning and grief.

But You are a God of second chances.

You are a God of sweet forgiveness.

You are a God who does not give up on His children – especially when we have not heeded Your will.

Oh Lord, help us do better. Help us be better. Help us to see what You see in us and for us.

Oh Lord, we are the people who are called by Your name, we do humble ourselves, and we do pray and seek Your face, Oh Lord, please hear us, please forgive us and please heal our land.

MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO GIVE YOU HIS PEACE

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2021/09/07/becoming-prayer-for-peace-and-social-justice-pt-1/

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FORMATION FRIDAY – Focus Upon the Admonitions (2 & 3) – September 3, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today’s lesson cover St. Francis’ Admonitions 2 and 3, that deal with obedience, self will, and humility. Though they may sound like a simple topics, these Admonitions have started many discussions among the formators. It is suggested that your fraternity members journal and contemplate the questions before beginning your discussion.
A link to the Franciscan Tradition site which offers much on Francis and Franciscan theology. Peace, Dona
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[II. The Evil of Self-Will]
  • 1The Lord said to Adam: Eat of every tree; you may not eat, however, of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Gn 2:16 Gn 2:17
  • He was able to eat of every tree of paradise because he did not sin as long as he did not go against obedience.
  • For that person eats of the tree of the knowledge of good who makes his will his own and, in this way, exalts himself over the good things the Lord says and does in him.
  • And so, through the suggestion of the devil and the transgression of the command, it became the apple of the knowledge of evil.
  • Therefore it is fitting that he suffer the punishment.
 
[III. Perfect Obedience]
  • The Lord says in the Gospel: Whoever does not renounce all that he possesses cannot be my disciple; Lk 14:33
  • and: Whoever wishes to save his life must lose it. Lk 9:24
  • A person who offers himself totally to obedience in the hands of his prelate leaves all that he possesses and loses his body.
  • And whatever he does and says which he knows is not contrary to his will is true obedience, provided that what he does is good.
  • And should a subject see that some things might be better and more useful for his soul than what a prelate commands, let him willingly offer such things to God as a sacrifice; and, instead, let him earnestly strive to fulfill the prelate’s wishes.
  • For this is loving obedience because it pleases God and neighbor. 1 Pt 1:22
  • If the prelate, however, commands something contrary to his conscience, even though he may not obey him, let him not, however, abandon him.
  • And if he then suffers persecution from others, let him love them all the more for the sake of God. 1 Jn 3:15 1 Jn 3:16
  • For whoever chooses to suffer persecution rather than wish to be separated from his brothers truly remains in perfect obedience because he lays down his life for his brothers. Jn 15:13
  • In fact, there are many religious who, under the pretext of seeing things better than those which the prelate commands, look back, Lk 9:62 and return to the vomit Prv 26: of their own will
  • These people are murderers 2 Pt 2:22 and, because of their bad example, cause many to lose their souls
 
Questions to discuss or to comment on in your journal.
 
+ Come, Holy Spirit! Open my mind and heart as I contemplate Admonition II.
  1. -As Secular Franciscans, we do not promise “obedience” as such. However, how does sacrificing our own will help us to live out our Rule?
  2. –When do I have the most difficulty following the directives of my lawful superiors?
 
+ Come, Holy Spirit! Open my mind and heart as I contemplate Admonition III.
  1. –How is obedience related to simplicity and humility?
  2. –What are some ways that I can seek to have a well-informed conscience?
  3. –How does having trust in the Lord help me to let go of my own will?
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Enfoque en las admoniciones de San Francisco (Admoniciones II y III)
 
Cap. II: Del mal de la propia voluntad
 
1Dijo el Señor a Adán: Come de todo árbol, pero del árbol de la ciencia del bien y del mal no comas (cf. Gén 2,16.17). 2Podía comer de todo árbol del paraíso, porque, mientras no contravino a la obediencia, no pecó. 3Come, en efecto, del árbol de la ciencia del bien, aquel que se apropia su voluntad y se enaltece del bien que el Señor dice y obra en él; 4y así, por la sugestión del diablo y la transgresión del mandamiento, vino a ser la manzana de la ciencia del mal. 5De donde es necesario que sufra la pena.
 
Cap. III: De la perfecta obediencia
 
1Dice el Señor en el Evangelio: El que no renuncie a todo lo que posee, no puede ser discípulo mío (Lc 14,33); 2y: El que quiera salvar su vida, la perderá (Lc 9,24). 3Deja todo lo que posee y pierde su cuerpo el hombre que se ofrece a sí mismo todo entero a la obediencia en manos de su prelado. 4Y todo lo que hace y dice que él sepa que no es contra la voluntad del prelado, mientras sea bueno lo que hace, es verdadera obediencia. 5Y si alguna vez el súbdito ve cosas mejores y más útiles para su alma que aquellas que le ordena el prelado, sacrifique voluntariamente sus cosas a Dios, y aplíquese en cambio a cumplir con obras las cosas que son del prelado. 6Pues ésta es la obediencia caritativa (cf. 1 Pe 1,22), porque satisface a Dios y al prójimo.
7Pero si el prelado le ordena algo que sea contra su alma, aunque no le obedezca, sin embargo no lo abandone. 8Y si a causa de eso sufriera la persecución de algunos, ámelos más por Dios. 9Pues quien sufre la persecución antes que querer separarse de sus hermanos, verdaderamente permanece en la perfecta obediencia, porque da su vida (cf. Jn 15,13) por sus hermanos. 10Pues hay muchos religiosos que, so pretexto de que ven cosas mejores que las que les ordenan sus prelados, miran atrás (cf. Lc 9,62) y vuelven al vómito de la propia voluntad (cf. Prov 26,11; 2 Pe 2,22); 11éstos son homicidas y, a causa de sus malos ejemplos, hacen que se pierdan muchas almas.
Preguntas para platicar o responder en su diario
 
+ ¡Ven, Espíritu Santo! Abre mi mente y corazón mientras contemplo la Admonición II.
— Como franciscanos seglares, no prometemos “obediencia” como tal. Sin embargo, ¿cómo el sacrificio de nuestra propia voluntad nos ayudará a vivir nuestra Regla?
–¿Cuándo tengo más dificultades para seguir las directivas de mis superiores legales?
 
+ ¡Ven, Espíritu Santo! Abre mi mente y mi corazón mientras contemplo la Admonición III.
— ¿Cómo se relaciona la obediencia con la sencillez y la humildad?
–¿Cuáles son algunas de las formas en las que puedo buscar para tener una conciencia bien informada?
— ¿Cómo me ayuda el tener confianza en el Señor a dejar ir mi propia voluntad?
 
 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Chair, National Formation Commission

Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Region
Focus-on-the-Admonitions-6.jpg

“Who Goes There?”

(This article originally appeared in TAU-USA Issue 103 Spring/Summer 2021)

By Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR, CNSA

In the Winter Issue of TAU-USA, Jan, our National Minister, spoke of “prophetic creativity,” that necessary gift to achieve total renewal of the Order. She is inviting us all to reach back and retrieve from down deep the many gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. We embark on this journey of transformation, in wonder, humility, and possibility —the interior movement of the Spirit—Who accompanies us upward and outward. St Francis grew into the understanding “Go, rebuild…” as an action call to rebuild and reinvigorate, himself first, then for others, who will see in him a model pointing towards making the Kingdom of God a reality on earth.

With the advent of the Second Vatican Council (more than a half century ago!), the “holy People of God are viewed as sharing in Christ’s prophetic office.” They are “…a living witness to Him, especially by means of a life of faith and charity.” As a prophetic people, the People of God are expected to lead the way, to become prophets and leaders in the rebuilding process. And as Secular Franciscans, with the world as our cloister, there have never been any boundaries between the dimensions of Franciscan charism and any other aspect of our life. “What we have to be is what we already are” (Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander).

I believe prophetic creativity began for St Francis as he knelt in silence before the Christ of the Cross of San Damiano. As a response to God’s self-communication, a personal relationship was borne in a steady conversion of heart as his life’s direction. It would flourish with communal concerns. Did he not ask a prayed-for gift of “insight”? Is not the gift of insight forged in the flame of Franciscan formation that we strive for and cherish?

Franciscans, seculars and religious, are immersed in social, economic, and political reality. We cannot sit by and remain passive to the needs, aspirations, movements, and accomplishments of society. It is here that God is revealed and where prophetic creativity is fashioned—giving us a spirit enlivened to be genuinely involved in the affairs of the world.

I believe prophetic creativity can be the solution to time and change in human relationships −respecting the “I-Thou” relationship—a communion-as-encounter, as Pope Francis teaches. If we are in communion with the other, and are present to the other—with trust, respect, attentiveness, patience, and humility—we become more present toward ourselves. Communion with others can give new meaning to experiences that otherwise would have been closed.

Prophetic insight. Prophetic creativity. Sisters and brothers, strive to let these be pathways for the sake of the Gospel. The Reign of God will always be challenged. The common good must deserve our attention and be a priority. The gift of loving concern will be for others.

Familiar as we are with the need for ongoing conversion, let it open us up anew to a variety of encounters and relationships. We will be capable to engage in dialogue with others who think and act differently than we. In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis voices a clear calling for the recognition that all people are our brothers and sisters. Seeking forms of social friendship that include everyone, the Holy Father is inspiring us to move from the level of words to the realm of action—by accompanying, caring for, supporting, and developing a culture of belonging.

Let us, then, embark on this transformative journey of prophetic creativity. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, may we see the world as God sees it, and love the world as God does. “What we have to be is what we already are.” 

“What we have to be is what we already are.”

Thomas Merton

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2021/08/30/who-goes-there/

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FORMATION FRIDAY – Franciscan Spirituality in 7 Steps – August 29, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

I remember attending the “Q” in Chicago many years ago.  Sr. Illia Dileo, the featured speaker, spoke about Franciscan Spirituality.  Her talk was so inspiring.  I thought how could anyone not want to be a Franciscan!  It is so much about LOVE and how much God has given to us.  

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Franciscan Spirituality in Seven Steps

“Franciscans view the world and God’s creative presence in a particular way. How we understand this and our relationship to God is at the heart of what we call Franciscan spirituality. The following are key themes in Franciscan theology (how we understand God) and consequently in Franciscan spirituality (how we relate to God). We owe this understanding to the experience of St. Francis first, then to his followers throughout the ages, particularly St. Clare.

1.God is absolute love, being, and creativity. Creation is dependent upon God to exist.

No created thing exists because of its own capacity to be; only God is capable of being without depending on something else. The development of created things through time reflects God’s inexhaustible ability to be creative and to remain the source of demonstrated love.

2.God has freely chosen incarnation (taking on human form) before the human choice for sin.

Jesus Christ comes to us because God loves us, not because we sin. Because of sin, Jesus comes in a particular way out of free will, not because a particular method of human behavior is needed to save us. God can simply will salvation because God is always free. Christ chooses to be with us physically now through the Eucharist until he comes again. This is reflective of God’s willingness to be with us in humble ways and to nourish us physically and spiritually.

3.Christmas is of primary importance to us.

Easter is the outcome of Christmas. The Incarnation is the greatest thing God could do for creation. The death of Jesus on the cross remains a mystery because even given human sin, God was not constrained to act in this unbelievable self-sacrificial way. It was done to attract us to divine love.

4.Christ is the perfect image of who God is for creation.

He is the mirror of who and what all humanity and created things are meant to be. Creatures participate in this perfection to the capacity of their natures. Humans can choose to not participate in Christ. Mary is the human person who has most perfectly chosen to participate in imaging God, both physically and spiritually.

5.Every creature is unique, gifted, and living in relationship.

No human life is a mistake, because everyone is uniquely gifted. The relationships of life are meant to be deepened according to the nature of the creature. This reflects the nature of God, who lives in Trinity and is therefore capable of the greatest depth of relationship.

6.Nothing humans have the ability to do has the capacity to make God do something.

God is always freely choosing love for humanity, even when we don’t see that the choice is the best. Our knowledge is too limited by space and time, while God is not limited by them. We all remain poor at God’s table because God doesn’t owe us anything.

7.Mercy, forgiveness and justification are God’s actions.

They do not result from our actions. We work on our salvation while recognizing that even our capacity to want to do good comes as a gift from God. We must do what we can – the freedom to choose comes from God – but realize that God is behind the ability to do good. God respects our freedom so much that he asks us to cooperate with him.”

This material appears in the FUN Manual chapter: Franciscan Theology, Tradition and Spirituality pp.16-17 of 30, with credit to Fr. Joe Schwab, OFM.

For discussion or to comment on in your journal

+ Each day, choose one of the statements above and spend time thinking about it.
–What influence does it have on your spiritual life?
–How does it affect how you live your Franciscan life?
–How do these statements affect your relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

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La espiritualidad franciscana en siete pasos

“Los franciscanos ven el mundo y la presencia creativa de Dios de una manera particular. Cómo entendemos esto y nuestra relación con Dios está en el corazón de lo que llamamos la espiritualidad franciscana. Los siguientes son temas claves en la teología franciscana (cómo entendemos a Dios) y, en consecuencia, en la espiritualidad franciscana (cómo nos relacionamos con Dios). Debemos este entendimiento a la experiencia de San Francisco primero, luego a sus seguidores a lo largo de los tiempos, particularmente a Santa Clara.

1. Dios es amor, ser, y creatividad absolutos. La creación depende de Dios para existir.

Ninguna cosa creada existe por su propia capacidad de ser; sólo Dios es capaz de ser sin depender de otra cosa. El desarrollo de las cosas creadas a través del tiempo refleja la inagotable capacidad de Dios para ser creativo y seguir siendo la fuente del amor demostrado.

2. Dios ha elegido libremente la encarnación (tomando forma humana) antes que la elección humana por el pecado.

Jesucristo viene a nosotros porque Dios nos ama, no porque pecamos. Debido al pecado, Jesús viene de una manera particular por libre albedrío, no porque se necesite un método particular de comportamiento humano para salvarnos. Dios puede simplemente querer la salvación, porque Dios siempre es libre. Cristo elige estar con nosotros físicamente ahora a través de la Eucaristía hasta que regrese. Esto refleja la voluntad de Dios de estar con nosotros de manera humilde y de nutrirnos física y espiritualmente.

3. La Navidad es de suma importancia para nosotros.

La Pascua es el resultado de la Navidad. La Encarnación es lo más grande que Dios pudo hacer por la creación. La muerte de Jesús en la cruz sigue siendo un misterio, porque incluso dado el pecado humano, Dios no se vio obligado a actuar de esta manera increíble de autosacrificio. Se hizo para atraernos al amor divino.

4. Cristo es la imagen perfecta de quién es Dios para la creación.

Él es el espejo de quién y qué deben ser toda la humanidad y las cosas creadas. Las criaturas participan de esta perfección en la capacidad de su naturaleza. Los humanos pueden optar por no participar en Cristo. María es la persona humana que más perfectamente ha elegido participar en la imagen de Dios, tanto física como espiritualmente.

5. Cada criatura es única, talentosa y vive en relación.

Ninguna vida humana es un error, porque todos tienen dones únicos. Las relaciones de la vida están destinadas a profundizarse de acuerdo con la naturaleza de la criatura. Esto refleja la naturaleza de Dios, que vive en la Trinidad y, por lo tanto, es capaz de una relación más profunda.

6. Nada de lo que los seres humanos tienen la capacidad de hacer tiene la capacidad de hacer que Dios haga algo.

Dios siempre elige libremente el amor por la humanidad, incluso cuando no vemos que la elección es la mejor. Nuestro conocimiento está demasiado limitado por el espacio y el tiempo, mientras que Dios no está limitado por ellos. Todos seguimos siendo pobres en la mesa de Dios, porque Dios no nos debe nada.

7. La misericordia, el perdón y la justificación son acciones de Dios.

No son el resultado de nuestras acciones. Trabajamos en nuestra salvación, al tiempo que reconocemos que incluso nuestra capacidad de querer hacer el bien es un regalo de Dios. Debemos hacer lo que podamos, la libertad de elegir viene de Dios, pero debemos darnos cuenta de que Dios está detrás de la capacidad de hacer el bien. Dios respeta tanto nuestra libertad que nos pide que cooperemos con él ”.

Este material aparece en el capítulo del Manual FUN: Teología Franciscana, Tradición y Espiritualidad pp.16-17 de 30, con crédito al P. Joe Schwab, OFM.

Para platicar o comentar en su diario
+ Cada día, elija una de las afirmaciones anteriores y dedique tiempo a pensar en ella.
– ¿Qué influencia tiene en tu vida espiritual?
– ¿Cómo afecta la forma en que vives tu vida franciscana?
– ¿Cómo afectan estas declaraciones su relación con Dios Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo?

Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Chair, National Formation Commission

Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Region
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Juan de Padilla