Rule 10

United themselves to the redemptive obedience of Jesus, who placed his will into the Father's hands, let them faithfully fulfill the duties proper to their various circumstances of life. Let them also follow the poor and crucified Christ, witness to him even in difficulties and persecutions.

Franciscans go from Gospel to Life and in this life that we lead in the world, according to our own circumstances, habits, economic and spiritual conditions, most people realize after a time that there are many difficulties in the way, and we are to some degree persecuted for our actions. Satan loves to persecute us to show his displeasure with the way we want to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ. Don't let him. A Franciscan who relentlessly and consistently shuts out the devil by prayer, fasting, adherence to the Holy Rule, love for others, all in the Name of Jesus and with the assistance of Mary, will experience a time when Satan will leave him or her alone, because there is nothing more to take.

Simple living begins with a conscious choice to unite with Christ in a very intense way, even desiring to follow Jesus in his passion, accepting hardships, pain, interiorly as well as exteriorly. This pain, often the "Dark Night of the Soul" (see .pdf) can lead to great holiness, but it is not for everyone. The progress in your Franciscan Journey as your life goes in, particularly with the help of a spiritual advisor will result in how far you can take this more intense way of following St. Francis. For most Secular Franciscans, there is ample opportunity to follow Rule 10 as written, in doing little acts of penance, through which we can share in Our Lord's redemption in some way. Bishop John Daly, some years ago, told his deacons to always KISS (Keep it simple stupid) - that's a good idea for us, in following this Rule, too.

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5-10-2008