Rule 5

Secular Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity. The faith of Saint Francis, who often said " I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this world except his most holy body and blood," should be the inspiration and pattern of their eucharistic life.

Our Eucharistic Life, is the core of our being, if we strive live the Gospel fully, not only on our lips but evidenced in our deeds. In the Gospel is the remembrance of the Last Supper, where Jesus told us to [cf. Mt 26:26-28] ... "Take and eat; this is my body." and "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. And to repeat this great Gift over and over again. That is the Eucharistic life of the Church. Those of our sisters and brothers who live this Eucharistic life daily, through actions rather than words, will easily recognize the same in those we meet. Saint Francis takes it to still a higher plateau as he regards in others this eucharistic life rather than a body of bones and skin. The living and active person of Christ is readily visible in those who strive to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ, as St. Francis did so well, through their recollected-ness, their charity, love, the presence of the Lord that seems to exude from their actions. When we recognize this in our brothers and sisters in liturgical activity, prayer, recitation/prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours we are among those who walk in the Presence of God.
 

Return to Menu

5-10-2008