· CONVERSION: the letting go of one’s ego…”
· “One is dying to a false self that tries to BE God, that tries to always be in control.”
· This is a reversal, a “TURNING TOWARD” the Holy Spirit at work within us.
Francis and Jesus by Murray Bodo, OFM
What can I do to make some beneficial changes in my attitude about Fraternity and fraternal life?
1. Prayerfully participate in electing and supporting my local Council.
· Pray for them every day.
· Use my God-given talents to collaborate on and assist with all projects.
+ What are some ways I can support my Council?
+ Do I have talents and abilities that call me to serve on the Council?
2. Love my Fraternity
· Be present at gatherings.
· Listen to my brothers and sisters.
· Offer to help out
· Reach out to excused members or to anyone who has missed a meeting (phone, email, card)
· Pray for our deceased members and for all those listed on our prayer list or prayer line.
· Take note that for Franciscans, fraternity is a way of life (not just another “thing to do”).
· What talents do I have to offer my Fraternity?
· Do I participate willingly in Fraternity activities?
3. Love our Rule
· Be sure that I am aware of what I promised at profession.
· Read, pray and meditate on the Rule, perhaps one or two articles each day.
· Think about how the Rule leads me closer to Christ.
+ When was the last time I read the rule?
+ Do I make the effort to relate our rule to my everyday life?
4. Love Scripture
· Be aware that Saint Francis based everything he said or wrote on scripture.
· Resolve to read a little scripture each day.
· Pray the liturgy of the hours because it helps me pray in fraternity (whiff of the entire church) and is filled with scripture.
+ Do I read Scripture each day? (How can I make time to do this?)
+ Do I go from gospel to life and life to the gospel? Do I understand what that means? How would I explain it to some one new were to win on secular Franciscan?
5. Strive for daily conversion
· Attempt to be a little better each day.
· Make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
· Remember that we are in the “Brothers and Sisters of Penance.”
+ Do I review my actions and relationships with God each day?
+ How have I changed since I first became a Franciscan? Kayla changed since last week?
Best for last
6. Love the Eucharist and be changed by it
· Attend mass on Sundays and holy days and every day if I can.
· Take advantage of opportunities for Adoration — Holy Hours or just a visit to the tabernacle.
+ What is my relationship to Jesus in the Eucharist?
+ Do why often visit Jesus when there’s an opportunity to attend adoration?
As we enter 2022, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in everything you do!
The questions above are to answer in your journal and then to discuss in Fraternity.
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