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FORMATION FRIDAY – Relationships in the OFS – Part 1 – March 10, 2023

At our National Chapter in October 2022, the National Fraternity Council decided that the priorities for
2022–2025 will be Vocations, Communications, and Relationships. For several weeks, Formation Friday
has been exploring each of these priorities.

Relationships: Part 1
Prepared by Francine Gikow, OFS, Member, National Formation Commission

Relationships in the Secular Franciscan Order: Part 1

The Holy Trinity As Our Model in Relationships: “Perfect Trinity, Simple Unity”

For Francis, the Holy Trinity, has been the model for all relationships within and outside of the Order.
Francis understood and proclaimed the Trinitarian perspective. O how glorious it is to have a holy and
great Father in heaven! Oh, how holy, consoling to have such a beautiful and wonderful Spouse! O, how
holy and how loving, gratifying, humbling, peace–giving, sweet, worthy of love, and above all things,
desirable: to have such a Brother and such a Son, our Lord Jesus Christ….(1LtF)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (259–260) describes some key characteristics of the Holy Trinity
which are also common themes in Francis’ writings. They are:
• Unity: God has revealed himself to us as the Father, Son and Spirit– commonly known as
the Holy Trinity. The Trinity expresses a unified love relationship among each person of
the Trinity, and as Francis describes it in the FUN Manual, “Perfect Trinity, Simple Unity
As Secular Franciscans, we are to share this love relationship of unity among ourselves
(family and fraternity), our church (since “we are more intimately united with the Church
by profession,”(OFS Rule Article 6) all people, creation, and the world.
• Love: Since God is pure Love, this love should permeate all who we are and do as
Secular Franciscans, and be evident in all of our relationships. For “Christ, the gift of the
Father’s love, is the way to him, the truth into which the Holy Spirit leads us, and the life
which he has come to give abundantly. (Rule Article 4)
• “ Sonship:” Since we are all sons and daughters of the living God, “the Franciscan
approach in prayer, is to lead us to imitate Jesus for the purpose of entering and
deepening our relationship with Our Father, the Source of Love unimaginable.”(FUN
Manual) In addition, the OFS Rule urges us to “conform their thoughts and deeds to
those of Christ by means of that radical interior change which the gospel itself calls
“conversion.”

Therefore, “…the whole Christian life is a communion with each of the divine persons, without in
any way separating them…[and with] the ultimate end… the entry of God’s creatures into the perfect
unity of the Blessed Trinity.”(CCC, 259–260)

O, happy and blessed are these men and women while they do such things and persevere in doing
them because the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon them (cf. Is 11:2) and make Its home and dwelling
place among them (cf. Jn 14:23) and they are children of the heavenly Father (cf. Mt 5:45) Whose
works they do, and they are spouses, brothers, and mothers, of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Mt
12:50)(1LtF 5–7).

Wouldn’t you like to be a spouse, brother, mother and home for God?

 

Reflection Questions:
• Describe, in your own words, what unity, love and sonship mean to you as a Secular Franciscan.
• Identify how you can incorporate each of these characteristics of the Holy Trinity into your life
as a Secular Franciscan.
• Do you see yourself as a “home for God?” If so, how? If not, why not?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Comparta con su fraternidad local.
En nuestro Capítulo Nacional de octubre 2022, el Consejo Nacional decidió que las prioridades para
2022–2025 serán “Vocaciones, Comunicaciones y Relaciones.” Durante varias semanas, el Formation
Friday ha estado explorando cada una de estas prioridades.
Relaciones: Parte 1
Preparado por Francine Gikow, OFS, Miembro, Comisión Nacional de Formación
Relaciones en la Orden Franciscana Seglar: Parte 1
La Santísima Trinidad como nuestro modelo en las relaciones: “Trinidad perfecta, unidad simple.”
Para Francisco, la Santísima Trinidad ha sido el modelo de todas las relaciones dentro y fuera de la
Orden. Francisco entendió y proclamó la perspectiva trinitaria. ¡Oh cuán glorioso, santo y grande es
tener un Padre en los cielos! 12¡Oh cuán santo, consolador, bello y admirable, tener un tal esposo! 13¡Oh
cuán santo y cuán amado, placentero, humilde, pacífico, dulce, amable y sobre todas las cosas deseable,
tener un tal hermano y un tal hijo: Nuestro Señor Jesucristo! (CtaF1)
El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica (259–260) describe algunas características clave de la Santísima
Trinidad que también son temas comunes en los escritos de Francisco. Ellos son:
• Unidad : Dios se nos ha revelado como Padre, Hijo y Espíritu, comúnmente conocido
como la Santísima Trinidad. La Trinidad expresa una relación de amor unificado entre
cada persona de la Trinidad, y como Francisco lo describe, (citado en el Manual FUN,)
“Trinidad Perfecta, Unidad Simple Como Franciscanos Seglares, debemos compartir esta
relación de amor de unidad entre nosotros (familia y fraternidad) , nuestra iglesia (ya
que estamos “más estrechamente vinculados por la Profesión” (Regla OFS Artículo 6)
todas las personas, la creación y el mundo.
• Amor: Dado que Dios es puro amor, este amor debe impregnar todo lo que somos y
hacemos como franciscanos seglares, y ser evidente en todas nuestras relaciones.
Porque “Cristo, don del amor del Padre, es el camino hacia Él, es la verdad en la cual nos
introduce el Espíritu Santo, es la vida que Él ha venido a dar abundantemente.” (Regla
Artículo 4)
• “Puesto que todos somos hijos e hijas del Dios vivo”, el enfoque franciscano en la
oración, es llevarnos a imitar a Jesús con el propósito de entrar y profundizar nuestra
relación con Nuestro Padre, la Fuente del Amor inimaginable. (Manual FUN) Además, la
Regla OFS nos exhorta a “conformar su modo de pensar y de obrar al de Cristo, mediante
un radical cambio interior, que el mismo Evangelio denomina con el nombre de
‘conversión’;”.
Por tanto, “ … toda la vida cristiana es comunión con cada una de las personas divinas, sin
separarlas en modo alguno… [y con] el fin último… la entrada de las criaturas de Dios en la unidad
perfecta de la Santísima Trinidad”. (CIC, 259–260)

 

¡Oh, dichosos y dichosas estos hombres y mujeres mientras hacen tales cosas y perseveran en hacerlas
porque el Espíritu del Señor reposará sobre ellos (cf. Is 11, 2) y hará en ellos su hogar y morada (cf. Jn
14,23) y son hijos del Padre celestial (cf. Mt 5,45) cuyas obras hacen, y son esposos, hermanos y
madres de nuestro Señor Jesucristo (cf. Mt 12,50) (CtaF1 5–7).
¿No te gustaría ser esposo, hermano, madre, y hogar para Dios?
Preguntas de reflexión:
• Describa, con sus propias palabras, qué significan para usted como franciscano seglar la unidad,
el amor y la filiación.
• Identifique cómo puede incorporar cada una de estas características de la Santísima Trinidad en
su vida como franciscano seglar.
• ¿Usted se ve como un “hogar para Dios”? ¿Si es así, cómo? ¿Si no, porque no?

 

Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
Open post

SHAPING THE FRANCISCAN FOOTPRINT – March 2 – March 8 2023

Five Important Spiritual Thoughts from the Liturgy of the Word

…and follow up for the Secular Franciscan

March 2 – March 8

 

 

1 — “Ask and it will be given to you” (Mt 7:7)

PRAYER OF PETITION

 

Jesus’s words in this section of Luke’s Gospel (and parallel passages) give a treatise, almost, on the prayer of petition.

A couple of things about that prayer of petition should be known:

1
– We must remember that we pray because we need it, not God. Therefore, we pray knowing that God already knows what we need. We simply are putting God into our consciousness knowing that God is with us as we ask.

2 – When we pray, it may not seem like we receive, find or have the door opened, but it really happens. It must all be understood with Jesus’ statements about what is good. God will give us only good and only
God knows what is really good. Even if we ask for a loaf which is really a stone in the overall view of things, God will not give it to us because it will harm us. Even if we ask for a fish which is really a snake in the overall view of things, God will not give it to us because it will harm us. Just as we know good for our children, God knows good for us.
The prayer of petition will always be answered and part of the prayer of petition is that we understand that God’s answer will be good for us.

3
– There is another element that is not part of the prayer of petition, but part of Jesus’ doctrine; it a directive that we must remember even as we beg God for things in our lives. Even as we ask for what is necessary in our lives, we have to work with love of others. Too many people pray to God, expecting God to answer—and God will— but do not make God part of the rest of their lives and in particular, how we treat others.

The prayer of petition is an important part of our spirituality. It should be part of what we do every day, but
we have to understand it.

 

 

2 – “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Mt 5:23-24)

…Is my love of my fellow brothers and sisters what it should be?

 

 

3
– “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Mt 5:44)

…Is there any incident in my life where this is not true?

 

 

4 — “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Mt 17:5)

…Am I spending sufficient time during the day to listen to the Lord by reading the Gospels?

 

 

5 – “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” (Mt 20:26)

…I should be everyone else’s servant, doing what they want. Am I?

 

 

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Communications Part 2: Social Media – March 3, 2023

Communications Part 2: Social Media (en español abajo) March 3, 2023
Please share with your local fraternity

The OFS USA National Priorities for 2022 to 2025 are, “Vocations, Communications and Relationships.“

Thank you to Layna Maher, OFS, Chair, National Formation Commission for preparing this piece.

#OFS, #Francis, #Justice, #Peace, #Love

This Formation Friday looks at Social Media communications and offering an opportunity to reflect on our posts and perspective as Catholics and Secular Franciscans.

Imagine if St. Francis had a Facebook page. What do you think he would he be posting? How would St. Francis give praise to God and creation? How would he show solidarity with the poor and marginalized? How would he respond to injustice? It can be easy to be kind and loving as we go along with those that think like we do. When it comes to those we disagree with, however, we may also find it easy to justify lashing out with anger or condemnation. St. Francis once again gives us clear guidance on how we should go about things.

FA:ED, vol. 1, 72 The Earlier Rule, [Chapter XI: The Brothers Should Not Revile or Detract, But Should Love One Another] 1Let all the brothers be careful not to slander or engage in disputes; 2let them strive, instead, to keep silence whenever God gives them the grace.

FA:ED, vol. 1, 102 from the Later Rule 10I counsel, admonish and exhort my brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ not to quarrel or argue or judge others when they go about in the world; 11but let them be meek, peaceful, modest, gentle, and humble, 2 Tm 2:14 speaking courteously to everyone, as is becoming.

Pope Francis counsels us “It is necessary to overcome the tendency to “discredit and insult opponents from the outset [rather] than to open a respectful dialogue” in his Message for the 57th World Day of Social Communications. Let us move from the potential for negativity and embrace the positive potential as we’re guided in the Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti 205“In today’s globalized world, the media can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of the unity of the human family which in turn can inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all…”

Let us stop and think before we post or comment. Or maybe decide it’s best to not comment or reply, but respond with a silent prayer. We can choose to use social media for good. Social media can help those in isolation feel connected. It can also be a great platform to share spiritual resources and come together in prayer. We can evangelize and share the Good News with how we show respect for all of God’s creation and cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace. We can also use social media to show love and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the world.

From the Gospel of John 13:35 “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

From the OFS Rule Article 14 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. Mindful that anyone “who follows Christ, the perfect man, becomes more of a man himself,” let them exercise their responsibilities competently in Christian spirit of service.

 

Reflect and discuss in your fraternity or comment in your journal.

+ Is the face of Christ visible on my Facebook or social media page?

+ How much love and peace am I sowing?

+ Are my posts and comments building a more fraternal world?

++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

Comunicaciones Parte 2: Redes Sociales

Por favor comparta con su fraternidad local

 

Las prioridades nacionales de OFS USA para 2022 a 2025 son ” vocaciones, comunicaciones y relaciones ” .

#OFS, #Francisco, #Justicia, #Paz, #Amor

 

Gracias a Layna Maher, OFS, Presidenta de la Comisión de formación nacional por preparar esta materia.

 

Este Formation Friday analiza las comunicaciones de las redes sociales y ofrece la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre nuestras publicaciones y nuestra perspectiva como católicos y franciscanos seglares.

 

Imagínese si San Francisco tuviera una página de Facebook. ¿Qué cree que estaría publicando? ¿Cómo alabaría San Francisco a Dios y a la creación? ¿Cómo mostraría su solidaridad con los pobres y marginados? ¿Cómo respondería a la injusticia? Puede ser fácil ser amable y cariñoso con aquellos que piensan como nosotros. Sin embargo, cuando se trata de aquellos con los que no estamos de acuerdo, también puede que nos resulte fácil justificar arremeter con ira o condena. San Francisco una vez más nos da una guía clara sobre cómo debemos hacer las cosas.

 

FA:ED , vol. 1, 72 La regla no bulada, [Capítulo XI:] Y todos los hermanos guárdense de calumniar y de contender de palabra (cf. 2 Tim 2,14); 2empéñense, más bien, en guardar silencio siempre que Dios les conceda la gracia.

 

FA:ED, vol. 1, 102 de la Regla bulada [Capítulo III:] 10 Aconsejo de veras, amonesto y exhorto a mis hermanos en el Señor Jesucristo que, cuando van por el mundo, no litiguen ni contiendan con palabras (cf. 2 Tim 2,14), ni juzguen a los otros; 11sino sean apacibles, pacíficos y moderados, mansos y humildes, hablando a todos honestamente, como conviene.

El Papa Francisco nos aconseja “Es necesario superar la tendencia a “desacreditar e insultar a los opositores desde el principio [en lugar de] abrir un diálogo respetuoso” en su Mensaje para la 57ª Jornada Mundial de las Comunicaciones Sociales .

 

Pasemos del potencial de negatividad y abracemos el potencial positivo como nos guía la Carta Encíclica Fratelli Tutti 205 “En el mundo globalizado de hoy, los medios pueden ayudarnos a sentirnos más cerca unos de otros, creando un sentido de unidad de la familia humana que a su vez puede inspirar solidaridad y esfuerzos serios para asegurar una vida más digna para todos…”

 

Detengámonos y pensemos antes de publicar o comentar. O tal vez decida que es mejor no comentar ni responder, sino responder con una oración en silencio. Podemos elegir usar las redes sociales por lo bueno. Las redes sociales pueden ayudar a las personas aisladas a sentirse conectadas. También puede ser una gran plataforma para compartir recursos espirituales y unirse en oración. Podemos evangelizar y compartir la Buena Nueva con la forma en que mostramos respeto por toda la creación de Dios y cultivamos el espíritu franciscano de paz. También podemos usar las redes sociales para mostrar amor y solidaridad con nuestros hermanos y hermanas en el mundo.

 

Del Evangelio de Juan 13:35 “En esto conocerán todos que sois mis discípulos, si tuviereis amor los unos con los otros.”

 

De la Regla OFS Artículo 14 “Llamados, juntamente con todos los hombres de buena voluntad, a construir un mundo más fraterno y evangélico para la edificación del reino de Dios, conscientes de que “quien sigue a Cristo, Hombre perfecto, se hace a sí mismo más hombre”, cumplan con competencia las propias responsabilidades con espíritu cristiano de servicio.”

 

Reflexione y comente en su fraternidad o comente en su diario.

+ ¿Se ve el rostro de Cristo en mi página de Facebook o redes sociales?

+ ¿Cuánto amor y paz estoy sembrando?

+ ¿Mis publicaciones y comentarios están construyendo un mundo más fraterno?

 

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025

 

Open post

SHAPING THE FRANCISCAN FOOTPRINT – February 23 – March 1 2023

 

Five Important Spiritual Thoughts from the Liturgy of the Word

…and follow up for the Secular Franciscan

February 23 – March 1

 

1 — “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Lk 9:23)

…Deny, Cross and Follow: the way of the Spiritual Life. Am I doing it?

 

2 — “Follow me.” (Lk 5:27)

…The Lord’s words to Levi have also been spoken to me to be a Secular Franciscan. Am I truly following the Lord?

 

3 – “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” (Mt 4:1)

…Like us, Jesus was tempted, and said “no” to the temptation with quotes from Scripture. Is Scripture and especially the Gospels part of my life?

 

4 – “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40)

…Really, how do I treat the people in my acquaintance?

 

5 — “This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven…’” (Mt 6: 9)
…When I pray the Our Father, do I think of the words?

 

Special Meditation The Songs of Meaning

“Waiting On the World to Change”

   

WAITING TO CHANGE

 
 

The Gospel

 

  

MATTHEW
23:16-22

 
     

[Jesus said,]
“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it
means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is
obligated.’ Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that
made the gold sacred? And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means
nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’ You
blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift
sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon
it, one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it;
one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated
on it.”

 

The Media
“Waiting
on the World to Change”

 

  

John
Mayer

 

“They say we stand
for nothing and there’s no way we ever could. Now we see everything
that’s going wrong with the world and those who lead it. We just feel
like we don’t have the means to rise above and beat it, so we keep waiting,
waiting on the world to change. It’s hard to beat the system when we’re
standing at a distance. Now if we had the power to bring our neighbors
home from war, they would have never missed a Christmas, no more ribbons on
their door, and when you trust your television, what you get is what you got,
’cause when they own the information, oh, they can bend it all they
want. One day our generation is gonna rule the population, so we keep on
waiting.”

 

Criticizing authority is a dangerous
thing among people who are prone to violence, even when the criticism is
correct. Jesus knew that, but he felt compelled to let those in charge
of religious thought know that they were doing wrong. He called them
“blind” and “fools,” strong language for a man who called
himself dedicated to God. He attacked their religious laws with abandon,
making fun of their sacred traditions and practices. His decision to
criticize later brought about his death.

Every once in a while, modern music decides to make a statement about misuse
of authority. Such is the case with John Mayer’s song “Waiting on
the World to Change.” The person in the song is aware that the
older generation is criticizing those who are young for being lazy and
without principle. But at the same time, the young people see what is
happening in the world, and they cannot help criticizing, saying that someday
all their criticism will lead them to do something.

What do you do about the evil you cannot change? You criticize by
calling attention to what should be, and you wait for the chance to change
that evil when you have an opportunity to do it. Jesus paid a price, but
he set up a Kingdom that led people back to God. The person in John
Mayer’s song is promising to change the evil when his generation is in
charge.

But future change is not the only thing that is necessary. Even as we
are criticizing, saying that we will change the future, our lives right now
must show that we are willing to fight the evil, and change what must be
changed in ourselves. We may have to wait to change some of the evil in
our lives because we may not be able to do anything about it with present
circumstances, but we can change the evil that we have control over right
now–our bad language, our prejudices, and our ill treatment of
others.

 
 

THOUGHT

 

What is most in need of change in the
world right now?

PRAYER

 

Good and gracious
God, your Son was critical of the people in charge of religious thought in
his lifetime because they were leading people to evil. Help us truly
desire to change the evil that has crept into our world, and to begin
changing evil with our lives right now. Be with us, we pray.

 

 

 

 

The Q – A Boost for the Franciscan Youth and Young Adult Commission

by Kathleen Molaro, OFS

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2022 Issue #107)

LOGO - San Damiano Cross in center with Unite, Ignite, Invite and Secular Franciscan Order Reflecting recently on our years as a FY/YA commission, I wondered whether we had succeeded in addressing the initial theme we had chosen to help us move in an appropriate direction —to “Unite, Ignite, and Invite.” (TAU USA, Spring, 2018, Issue #94)

We talked and listened to attendees at the Quinquennial, both during our presentations and at our booth. The enthusiasm proved encouraging and affirmed that our commitment since the beginning has led us to a stronger YouFra awareness and presence.

Have we united?

We discovered that we have, in fact, united people, especially through our virtual gatherings. Although for half our years together, we had met only with boxes around our faces, we have obviously made connections and built relationships. What excitement to finally be face to face. When folks asked if our zoom meetings would resume, they validated for us the advantage of being united in purpose, in prayer, and in understanding the goals when working with younger Catholics. The commission could tell from our conversations with ministers, animators, and interested people that there is a clearer understanding of what young people need, how we can build relationships with them, and what methods work for today’s youth. Even though each situation is unique, those of us who have spent time together are united in our basic mission. Our struggles, concerns, and roadblocks are similar across the United States, but we are united in our desire and willingness to move forward in reaching out to young people.

Have we ignited?

There is an enthusiasm now that we didn’t notice several years ago. At the beginning of our term, and even after a few years, we still sensed the discouragement, fear, apathy, and powerlessness in our quest. Our work, again especially through the virtual gatherings, has gradually helped us “ignite” enthusiasm and courage. We didn’t talk to a single person who said, “Why bother,” or “It’s impossible.” As we’ve said all along, this is God’s work. We are simply His hands and feet, His voice, His messengers. We won’t get discouraged or give up if we remember who is in charge and in the center of all we do. How could we not be on fire with the Holy Spirit? If you attended the evening of Taizé prayer or the concert with Jesse Manibusan, or participated in making blankets during the service project, you would have witnessed how joyful our young people were to serve in this way. Their enthusiasm was infectious and, at least for the commission team, affirmed that we are on the right track as far as igniting passion for stepping into the world of young people.

Have we invited?

Now for the third part of our goal—to invite. We have invited regions, individuals, and fraternities to get involved, to attend our on-line trainings, prayer services, and networking opportunities. But we find this is our weakest area of growth. It is time to be courageous and invite young people into a gospel life. They are hungry for a deeper relationship with God, and we can walk with them in that journey.  YouFra is not only possible, but also a beautiful way to nourish that hunger.

Through our presentations in this coming year, we intend to invite a larger and more varied audience. When we discuss how to plan Catholic social justice activities for young people, we will invite Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation animators. When we bring to your attention topics important to younger Catholics, the invitation will extend to Formation Directors. If how to plan meaningful prayer experiences is the evening’s presentation, Spiritual Assistants will be welcome. We’re hoping with this plan Ministers and FY/YA Animators will be more supported in their efforts.

We appreciate your help in fulfilling our dream to unite, ignite and invite.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/02/27/the-q-a-boost-for-the-franciscan-youth-and-young-adult-commission/

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