(This article originally appeared in the Fall TAU-USA Issue #110)

By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, National Minister

Relationships is the third aspect of our national focus for 2022-2025.  The Gospel and our Rule call us to be in relationship.  “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt 18:20 NAB

Reflecting on Jesus’ reminder from Matthew 18:20 – if two or three are gathered in his name, then He is there, we recognize that relationships with our Franciscan family members are especially important.

From August 22, the National Fraternity Council experienced our fraternal and pastoral visitations as required by Article 26 of the OFS Rule and Articles 92-95 of the OFS General Constitutions. We are connected with our fourth fraternity – the international fraternity.  Through this process, we continued to build relationships with our international family. Although the official report is not expected for several months, the initial feedback was overall positive. The visitation identified areas for us to work on which fit in with our priorities and theme.

Over the last year, the National Executive Council (NEC) has worked on building or enhancing relationships with the Regional Executive Councils (RECs). We learned that some of our RECs have grappled with issues. Relationships are strained. Some relationships are wounded because of harsh behavior. We received a report of blatant racist behavior.

When relationships are good – it is easy for them to flourish. What are our reactions when the relationship is strained a bit? What happens if there is conflict?

Of course, none of us are perfect. We are called to live the Gospel. We will fall short at times. However, there is no place for racist attitudes or remarks in living the Gospel. Respectful dialogue is critical for our fraternal way of life. However, as we know from OFS Rule Article 7, we are called to daily, ongoing conversion. Thus, we must never lose hope that our transgressions can be overcome. We must take it seriously and be committed to start again each day.

For council members encountering these situations, they may need to implement Jesus’ teachings referenced earlier in Matthew 18 (verses 151n which are also woven into the procedures specified in our General Constitutions Articles 56.2 and 58.2.  If our members don’t feel they have the skills to effectively address the issues, then please reach out to the other council members or the members of the next higher council level for assistance.

Let us be encouraged to look for opportunities to build relationships:

• within or outside the Franciscan family (OFS  Rule Articles 1, 2, 12,17,19),

• with other members of the Church (OFS Rule  Articles 5, 6, 8),

• with people in our communities (OFS Rule Articles 13,14,15, 16) or

• with the non-human part of creation (OFS Rule Articles 1 1, 18).

I am challenged to embrace the opportunities for perfect joy, so that God’s glory can shine.  May the Holy Spirit lead us as we listen, discern, and go forth to build up the kingdom of God.

Building Relationships with the help of Jesus

Mary Francis Charsky, International Councilor

During December we ardently await and long for God’s presence.  We yearn for God’s son Jesus to come among us in peace and joy.  In Advent we are hoping and wishing that we are ready for the coming of the Christ Child.  We humbly seek and pray for forgiveness and mercy.  These themes are remembered in the hymn, “Maranatha” by Gerald Chiusano.

As Franciscans we realize that Jesus is a precious gift from God the Father.  Jesus is coming for all of us, all of our brothers and sisters throughout the world.  Let us consider, imagine and reflect upon OFS Rule Article 13.  “As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so 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 with the lowly for who they shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ.”

Do you believe that we have such wonderful gifts given to us?  All people are gifts from God.  Our very life is a gift from God.  We have an obligation to protect and care for ourselves as well as our brothers and sisters.  This includes fraternal harmony, thoughtful dialogue and trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone.  It includes the transforming power of love, pardon and mercy, both given and received.  Is this what we long for?  During Advent we are praying and searching for understanding of these precious gifts, the awesome gift of Jesus and the gifts of all of our sisters and brothers throughout the world.

During Advent we can refer to the Infancy Narrative in Luke 1:5 – 2:52.  Like the Blessed Mother we open our hearts with great anticipation of being in the presence of the Divine Infant, our Messiah!  In December, we observe two feast days honoring the Mother of God, which offer us deeper reflection during Advent.  December 8th, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, prepares Our Lady to be the Mother of Our Savior; integral to the Christmas miracle and salvation history.  Dec. 12th, Our Lady of Guadalupe, depicts Mary as the expectant Mother of Jesus.  Let us, like Mary, prepare for the birth of Jesus and, as St. Francis gave witness, be “heralds of the Great King” as we share the good news by the way we live our lives!

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/12/01/maranatha-we-long-for-your-coming-o-god/