I was helped to think about prayer by the Franciscans and responded to their joyful attitude to life and reconciling love towards people and I was secretly relieved to empathise with a spiritual life full of humour and joy.
In this article, this exploration of a spiritual path may lead to an awakening of interest for you. Consider how much your faith grew when you explored confirmation! However, this may be the first time you have heard mention of such paths. So, in this article, I will try to explain a little of the Franciscan path. Perhaps others may like to write in about their practice? Nevertheless, it should be added that for some, their church life is sufficient. Perhaps at times others supplement it with wisdom and encouragement found in study and retreats. But for a number a more ordered approach within a spiritual path draws their exploration. They then discern whether they have been called to dedicate their lives under a definite discipline and vows. Once they have demonstrated a few years of committed practice, it may be suggested to commit to a particular spiritual path. This is why at St Francis-tide, (October 4th) I chose to commit to a life profession within the Third Order of The Society of St Francis.
A little background information may explain this. St Francis lived a life which very much mirrored that of Jesus. He was fervent in prayer and in compassion, full of humility and joy, simple in life style and set alive by and grateful for God’s creation. His practice drew great numbers – about 500! Many complained to him that they were unable to become a brother (monk) like St Francis. So Francis approached the Pope and asked him to approve a rule which later led to the creation of three Orders – a first Order of brothers (friars), who live in community and work in the world amongst the people; a second enclosed Order of “Poor Clares” or sisters who withdraw from the world but pray for it ceaselessly; and a Third Order of anyone else, (male, female, clergy, laity, single, married, old and young) who seeks to live in the world “in the spirit” of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. In this spirit the duties and conditions of daily living are to be carried out.
What drew me to this particular spiritual path? I was relieved to find others who feel ‘sent out’ to minister – unlike the other spiritual orders who are all oblates to a spiritual building, the Franciscans have no fixed church and are sent to make Christ known wherever they are.
It was St Francis, who put on armour and rode to fight valiantly in battle. But a leper came along the road. Francis was terrified of the leper, but recognised Jesus’ challenge in this to him and humbly got off his horse and went to greet the leper. This was not sufficient. So Francis kissed what he found most challenging and in embracing the leper, discovered that he could see Jesus in him. He gave up the glory of battle and spent the rest of his life caring for those who are marginalised, different or shunned by society. He recognised everyone’s need to know God’s reconciling love.
In line with this, Third Order Franciscans or Tertiaries fight against ignorance, pride, and prejudice that breed injustice or partiality because of distinctions of race, gender, colour, class, creed, station or education. Their chief object is to reflect that openness to all which was characteristic of Jesus. This can only be achieved in a spirit of chastity which sees others as belonging to God and not as a means of self-fulfilment. This resonated with me deeply.
Francis was passionate about God but had to learn to interpret what God was asking him to do. His first interpretation of God’s call to rebuild his church, was literally to rebuild a derelict chapel. On further reflection, Francis realised God was calling him to rebuild the wider Church. He then tried to teach the Gospel to Italian peasants, trying to explain the birth of Jesus by setting up the scene in a local stable. His passionate retelling has brought home the image of the Christmas story to us all.
For me, God’s call to this Order also needed to be interpreted, honed, tested and directed by a spiritual director. The support of the Franciscan group has helped me with this as well as helped me through some painful times. Indeed, in taking up this life, we are told “to be ready to endure hardship”. Nevertheless, the Franciscans seem to be able to find a joyful humanity even in the darkest of moments.
After initial inquiry, I was given a Novice Guardian who discussed and planned my Personal Rule of Life over 2 years. Each year all tertiaries (novices and life professed members) renew their commitment to their Rule of Life. They receive a Manual which has the following content: The Principles, The Constitution, The forms of Profession and Renewal. As part of our Principles we have 3 aims:
2. To make our Lord known and loved everywhere;
4. To spread the spirit of love and harmony and
6. To live simply.
The Rule is made in relation to 9 points of practice – 3 aims, 3 ways of service and 3 notes. These are worthy of further unpacking, if anyone is interested in another newsletter?
For now, I shall concentrate on Rules of Life. What I liked about a Rule of Life is that it is a practical outworking of theological principles which sometimes appear obscure to the modern mind. But once I had them explained, I cheerfully took them up, finding that keeping the discipline ironically gave me freedom to be as I am. For example, Franciscans follow St Francis’ simplicity of life. This means only to keep things that you will use – i.e. if you inherit a tea-set, invite your friends to tea! If you do not do this, give it to charity, because someone could make better use of it than you. On the other hand, if your job allows you to become rich, and let’s say to own a beautiful house – open it up to the Sunday school or your garden for Quiet Days of Retreat. For me, this simplicity allows me to take what I will use but resist accumulation. Perhaps as I clear things out, this beckons to God to re-direct my life afresh?
So that unpacks one of the aims of the Order! These practices also gave me confidence to live contentedly in a world so affected by adherence to the latest cultural edict. This framework is life-giving and supportive in itself. The community obedience which involves my attendance at group meetings allows me to deepen my understanding of our Christian tradition, offering the opportunity to ask questions freely, to relate it to our experiences in a closed door confidential environment, and to be encouraged in our life journeys.
The Rule includes daily prayer and a spiritual practice applied across the whole of my life. For example, as part of prayer, it is part of our community obedience to read daily a section of the Principles, set within the two prayers specified, or within the Third Order Office or with Morning or Evening Prayer. You can do this when you wish and therefore isn’t it heartening to know that thousands of Franciscans are praying at any one time across the world for you? I also pray for issues in the news and for the world-wide Orders of Franciscans as well as members of my local group and “let my prayers rise like incense”.
Franciscans also live by three ways of service: prayer, study and work. They mark their lives by three notes: humility, love and joy. These are God-given graces which cannot be obtained through human effort. They are gifts of the Holy Spirit. My Manual says: “The purpose of Christ is to work miracles through people who are willing to be emptied of self and to surrender to him. Then they can become channels of his grace.” It should also be added that for Franciscans the Eucharist is central and forms a regular part of life.
So please pray for me, as I try to keep my Personal Rule of Life alongside my Franciscan brothers and sisters, seeking to spread the knowledge and love of Christ, to promote the spirit of love and harmony as the family of God and to live joyfully a life of simplicity and humble service after the example of St Francis. I was given a cross to wear around my neck as a sign and to remind me of my calling. But for me the greatest reminder is heard in the prayer of dismissal at the Eucharist: of being sent out in the world to live and work amongst you.
Pax et bonum,