(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2020 Issue #101)

L. Dorothea McNeil OFS

Minister, Father Solanus Casey Regional Fraternity

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. Article 19

I had originally intended to write on a completely different subject, but as I began, I was led here. There have always been political, religious, or moral disagreements among people. In the past 15-20 years, we have seen people expressing their opinions in ways that are more and more extreme. Instead of reason, we have emotion; in place of discussion, we have insults. Social media adds to this by giving the shield of anonymity to the most hurtful remarks. It isn’t so much what people believe, as the way they say it, that is driving us apart. Anger and insult cause divisions. Those divisions make common ground impossible and prevent us from working on the real problems in our communities, our country, and our world.

What can we, as Secular Franciscans, do about this? Probably not that much, on a grand scale. But, as you must know, this culture of argument and insult has invaded our communities, schools, workplaces, churches, and families. In those places, where we live out our vocations, we can make a difference.

In writing this, I thought of my family. Our political opinions range from libertarian to the most progressive liberalism. We differ in our politics, religion, and philosophy. Yet my children and children-in-law are in constant contact with each other. Our gatherings are happy and filled with love. I will not say they are free from “discussion,” or even “intense discussion,” but we always end up eating together around the dinner table. We support each other in times of sorrow and rejoice together in times of joy. We are a family, and the love that binds us together is far stronger than any differences we may have.

Even in the midst of our “discussions,” my children would never say anything really insulting or hurtful. Our shared love as a family prevents it. In the past 20 years, the ties that have united members of families, churches, communities and our country have been eroded. The loss of those connections has enabled people to be as nasty as they wish. So, back to the question: what can we Secular Franciscans do? We can establish, and re-establish, the connections that help us to have respect and love for each other. We can do this by listening.

First, we can listen to what people are saying: all that is said, not just the first two words. You don’t have to agree, just listen. Try to understand the facts of the story, or the reasons for the argument. Second, listen to the person speaking. Listen with an understanding heart. Why are they saying this? How do they understand the words? Are there emotions behind what is being said? Is agreement, or a connection, possible? Third, listen to yourself. Are you shutting yourself off from discussion? Are your own beliefs interfering with your ability to understand? Do you interrupt the other person to score a point? Is your own anger or impatience a barrier? Fourth, listen to God. (This should also be first.) Are you treating this person as a child of God or as an enemy? Is your purpose argument or discussion? Do you want to learn or to win? Do you understand that you are already in relationship with this person?

Listening seems like such a little thing, but it isn’t. When we don’t listen to people, they feel devalued, and then they devalue the lives of others. The turmoil in our society comes from millions of people who are talking and shouting, but not listening. This brings us further and further apart from each other. Listening begins relationships and keeps them together. Listening is not agreement; it means that we respect each other. It confirms the dignity of each person. It opens the path to real discussion, and from there leads to understanding and peace.

We cannot solve the world’s problems by ourselves. But, through listening and forming connections with those we meet, we can change the world we live in. May we bring our Franciscan peace and goodness to all our brothers and sisters.

Bringing Peace

(This article originally appeared in the Fall 2020 Issue of TAU-USA #101)

Formation Commission

by Francine Gikow, OFS

National Commissioner

“IF TODAY YOU WOULD HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS[1]”

As a Secular Franciscan during this time of coronavirus, I have been forced to confront my own racial biases and the inequality that exists in our society based on race. From the earliest days in initial formation, we are told “go from gospel to life and life to the gospel” with a careful reading of the gospel.[2] But what do the gospels say to us at this time? How do we act/react as Secular Franciscans? How can I make sure that I do not “harden my heart”?

Since Vatican II, the Church has directed us in this essential element of our vocation: “At all times the Church carries the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the gospel…”[3]

“… [the Church] can draw from the Gospel the most profound reasons and ever new incentives to promote the generous dedication to the service of all [people], the poor especially, the weak and the oppressed – and to eliminate the social consequences of sin which are translated into unjust social and political structures… the Church…leads toward freedom under all its forms — liberation from sin, from indwelling or collective selfishness—and to full communion with God and with [people] who are like brothers [and sisters].”[4]

The message is clear. The Church invites me—no, actually demands of me—as a secular, professed Franciscan, to work toward the equality of all people in our society. Of course, depending on our particular gifts and personalities, what I do may be different than your response to the call of the Holy Spirit. But we are all the body of Christ, here on earth. What DO scripture and the gospels say? In search of the answer, I have compiled some of my favorite passages for your prayer, meditation, and consideration. They are not a complete listing; for that you would need to read/meditate on the ENTIRE Bible! However, they are a start. You may want to take a different specific passage each day to prayer and meditation. You may want to share at your fraternity meeting which passages “spoke” to you and why. You may want to cut up all the Bible citations, put them into a bowl and pray a different one each day.

Make an effort to be open to the Word of God and not “harden your heart,” let go of any pre-conceived ideas and see where God leads you, then act on it. Make a decision to change a behavior. Decide what you can do differently. Do penance. Ask forgiveness. Open a respectful dialog. The list is endless. As Francis said to his brothers:

“I have done what is mine; May Christ teach you yours.” (Lmj14:3)

Scripture Citations:

Essence of the Law (Deut 10:17-20)

The Beatitudes (Mt.5 1-10 or Lk 6 20-26)

Sheep Amidst the Wolves (Mt 10”16-23)

Parable of the Sower (Mt 13: 1-17)

Forgiveness (Mt 18:21-22)

The Rich Young Man (Mt 19:23-27)

The Greatest Commandment (Mt 22:34-40)

Persecutions Foretold (Mt 24:9-14)

Welcoming a Stranger (Mt 25:31-40)

Judgment of the Nations (Mt 26:31-36)

Woman at the Well (Jn 4: 4-42)

Love for Enemies (Lk 6:27-36)

Do Not Judge… (Lk 6:37-38)

The Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37)

The Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31)

Woman Caught in Adultery (Jn 8:1-11)

Transformation (Romans 12:2)

Mutual Love (Heb 13:1-3)

Mercy and Judgment (James 2: 12-13)

Justification By Works (James 2:22-24)

Judging Others (James 4:11)

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[1] Psalm 95:7b-11. (NAB)

[2] OFS Rule: Art.4

[3] Guadium et Spes, 4.

[4] Synod of Bishops, “Evangelization of the Modern World,” Third General Assembly, October 26, 1974, in The Gospel of Peace and Justice: Catholic Social Teaching Since Pope John (Maryknoll , NY: Orbis Books, 1976. p.597

“If Today You Would Hear His Voice, Do Not Harden Your Hearts”