Rule 19

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.

Franciscans are supposed to be peacemakers. Peace is the result of personal integrity and a life with Christ in prayer. We strive to be mature, positive, and at peace within ourselves and with other people. Fraternal harmony is achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, trust and the transforming power of forgiveness. We are called to bring hope to others, much in the same way, the Holy Father through his words and trips abroad brings hope to foreign nations. Some of us do this through various apostolates and/or ministries. Human intuition, channeled by love for and from God, brings peace and hope and joy to our sisters and brothers.

Since we are sinners by original sin, and still sin if we do not love God enough, we are part of the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. Franciscans, through daily Metanoia seek to overcome sin by loving God more and by seeking that ultimate encounter with the Father to be joyful and peaceful.

Article 19 emphasizes that we are to bring joy and hope to others. How often have we done this? Well, certainly not 100% of the time. I think we can all agree to that to a certain extent. We are sinners. We make mistakes, intentionally or otherwise. But we also have an obligation to improve ... to practice metanoia, the daily effort to change, to improve for the sake of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the perfect moment of Grace which allows forward motion toward holiness.

The Eighth Commandment states: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."

I would like you to pick up your copy of the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" and look up paragraph 2475 to 2487 (on the web, see: 2475 ) - and study these terms:

  • envy and slander  (2475)

  • false witness and perjury  (2476)

  • rash judgment, detraction, calumny  (2477)

  • flattery, adulation, complaisance  (2480)

  • boasting, bragging  (2481)

  • lying  (2482, ff.)

These are all "Offenses against Truth." Now ask yourself, "Have I recently been guilty of these sins?" and, "What have I done about it?" If you have confessed your sin, repented and done something to offset your unkindness to your neighbor, then you have done enough. Anything less than that, bears consideration and prayerful reflection.

 

 

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5-11-2008