National Minister’s Message
by Jan Parker, OFS
“What are the servants of God if not His minstrels, who must lift people’s hearts and move them up to spiritual joy?”
The Assisi Compilation from Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, vol. 2, pg. 186
It seems every article I have read lately begins with the phrase, “In these unprecedented times….” So true. We have seen too much sickness and death. Too much injustice. Too much division. We hear voices of righteous anger, and cries for help. Many on the front lines are stretched beyond their abilities as the stress of this pandemic takes its toll, not to mention the social unrest and the political strife that surrounds us. Many are weary, many are frightened, and many are in need of hope.
I am among the weary, but far from losing hope. One reason for that is you, my Franciscan brothers and sisters. Throughout the long and challenging months of this past summer, my spirits have been uplifted by your words and witness.
A few weeks ago, our General Minister, Tibor K a u s e r, s e n t u s a v i d e o m e s s a g e o f encouragement. I hope you all had a chance to view it. Tibor shared a quote from our 1 Constitutions which is so applicable at this time: “ F o l l o w i n g t h e G o s p e l , S e c u l a r Franciscans affirm their hope and their joy in living. They make a contribution to c o u n t e r w i d e s p re a d d i s t re s s a n d pessimism, preparing a better future.” (GC 26.1)
I have seen this lived out by you in a great variety of ways these past months, and I have never felt more confident in the vitality of the Order. The pandemic is not squelching our desire for fraternity⎯it is strengthening it. We are moving forward in new ways, responding in faith to the signs of the times. As Donna Hollis recently said, “Just as Clare lived in an historic time and made a way for women to follow their calling; we are making a way to live through this pandemic, which is also a very historic time.”
In this issue of the TAU-USA are contributions from OFS members across the country. These words and stories give witness to the many ways Franciscans are living the Gospel, making visible the living and active presence of Christ, witnessing to the good yet to come, and calling all to believe in the transforming power of love and pardon. We journey together in love and compassion. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
I will share a little story with you. It was the end of a long day. I was tired and stressed. All I could think of were all the things I had hoped to do that day but had not yet accomplished. I turned on my computer to answer some emails and clicked on one from LaVerna Region. It was the latest edition of La Verna Vision. I took some time and scrolled through the pages of this newsletter, noticing all the news and happenings. I suddenly stopped when, right in the middle of my screen appeared a photo of Regional Minister Jeff Gumz holding out a slice of homemade cherry pie. Right there, in the mix of all the news, announcements and formation articles was an invitation to enjoy some cherry pie!
It’s hard to describe what happened at that moment. It was as if St. Francis himself had come into my room carrying a steaming bowl of porridge and, with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eyes, he was holding it out for me to take and enjoy. All I know is that a big smile came to my face, and my worries just disappeared.
The words to a song come to mind as I think of it: “In the love come from God, I now entreat you, put away all your cares, and be free from every possession, coming freely to love, and to serve and to honor the Lord.” I had been visited by Sister Simplicity. Perfect joy filled my heart. It just goes to show how simple pleasures and the joy of good food are such a part of our charism⎯and how in the midst of all we are called to do we must sometimes just stop, put aside our to-do lists, pick up our fiddle sticks, dance a bit, and then enjoy some cherry pie!
Yes, in many ways our world has been turned upside-down, and the struggles are real, but so is the grace we have been given to live our Franciscan vocation. May the stories in these pages be a source of inspiration and fraternal encouragement, and may spiritual joy fill your hearts!
Peace and all good.
Your sister, Jan
Season of Caring for Creation: Sept. 28-Oct. 4
Pope Francis recently proclaimed September 1 as a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation as the Orthodox Church has done since 1989, to “draw from our rich spiritual heritage the reasons which feed our passion for the care of creation.”
This opens the Season of Caring for Creation which ends on October 4, the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi.
As our Seraphic Founder, St. Francis gives us a model to imitate, celebrate and reflect on as the Patron of Ecology and author of the Canticle of the Creatures. Each week there will be specific prayers, readings and reflections.
These materials were created by Carolyn Townes, OFS, National Animator, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.
Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no living man can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will, for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.
Call to prayer: All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Encourage us in our struggle for justice, love and peace. We thank you for being with us each day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Reading: 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. Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others. Since they are immersed in the resurrection of Christ, which gives true meaning to Sister Death, let them serenely tend toward the ultimate encounter with the Father. (OFS Rule, Art. 19)
Moment of Contemplation (Take some time in silence.)
“This is what I want from you: to do justice, to love compassionately, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Reflection Question: How do I trust in the presence of the “divine seed” in all of God’s creation?
Action for the Week: Participate in a Transitus Service. If you cannot get to one, then pray Evening Prayer I and/or the Office of Readings from the red Proper Offices of Franciscan Saints and Blessed in the Liturgy of the Hours.
Prayer for the Week: All-powerful, most holy, most high, supreme God: all good, supreme good, totally good, You Who alone are good, may we give You all praise, all glory, all thanks, all honor, all blessing, and all good. So be it! So be it! Amen.
https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/09/28/season-of-caring-for-creation-sept-28-oct-4/