Franciscan Brotherhood

Franciscan friars, being men, talk about brotherhood in describing the most important tenet in religious life: to love one another. In the Secular  Franciscan Order, consisting of men and women, one could call this Franciscan Community, perhaps. But no matter how it is put into words, what it amounts to is the unconditional love for each other. Why? Because Jesus Christ loves us unconditionally, and therefore, the only way to be a Christian is to bring this unconditional love to one another. Since Franciscans are to live the Gospel... we too must love unconditionally.

This is a overwhelming task. But, day by day, we have to apply ourselves to the mandate of St. Francis of Assisi, to love all regardless of background, nationality, race, skin color, whether they are friends or foes, prisoners or bank presidents, politicians or street pavers, doctors or sanitation specialists, and most of all, we are to love the sinner (but never the sin), because Jesus Christ did likewise. If we do not love the sinner or our enemy, then we are the sinner. 

The recent (last part of June, 2003) ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States, overturning sodomy laws in the state of Texas, offers Franciscans a new challenge. How do we treat those who are in a moral quagmire (from the Catholic viewpoint) but are living their lives in the freedom given by these recent rulings. For some of us this is a very difficult thing. Again, how would Jesus treat those of the same sex who want to live together? He would love them dearly but He would disdain the actions of those living in sin. We too, must love people who are different from ourselves. So we must love those whose sexual preference and lifestyle is different from ours. It all comes down to observing the Rule of Saint Francis, which says: (13) "As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ."

We should pray for all people, but most especially for those who struggle with God's commands. Freedom to most people means doing what they like to do. But in practicing freedom there is an element of concern about caring for others. For me, freedom is being able to do what I do, provided it leads to something better. What do you think freedom is all about?

Yes, all people we meet are a gift of God by the very reason He created them. If we can treat them with His love, unconditionally, and without judgment, then our lives will be blessed and so will theirs.

Contributed by
Fred Schaeffer, SFO