Lent is about to begin. For the next number of weeks, we will focus on penance and conversion so important in the life of a Secular Franciscan.
Secular Franciscans are called to conversion: (First appeared in 2020)
OFS Rule: Chapter 2: Art. 7
United by their vocation as “brothers and sisters of penance,” and motivated by the dynamic power of the gospel, let them conform their thoughts and deeds to those of Christ by means of that radical interior change which the gospel itself calls “conversion.” Human frailty makes it necessary that this conversion be carried out daily.
On this road to renewal the sacrament of reconciliation is the privileged sign of the Father's mercy and the source of grace.
Also see Article 13 of the General Constitutions.
Conversion is symbolized as a JOURNEY of TRANSFORMATION led by the Spirit of God
· Communal experience—encouragement and witness
· On-going process, celebrated in stages with Eucharist as highpoint
· Conversion is a lifetime experience of transformation
5 Fundamental Elements of Penitential Lifestyle
· To love God
· To love our neighbor
· To resist sinful tendencies of our fallen nature
· To receive the body of Christ in the Eucharist
· To act or live in conformity with our conversion
To discuss or to answer in your journal. How will we live our conversion?
1. In what ways would you like to make progress spiritually during Lent? What do you want to improve in your relationship with God and with others?
2. What is the meaning of the phrase, “that radical interior change which the gospel itself calls ‘conversion?’”
3. What is the focus of the Sacrament of Reconciliation? How important is this for us as Secular Franciscans?
4. After having viewed or read some of the resources below, what will you put into practice in your daily life?
Resources for Lent in English
From Franciscan University: The Seven Last Words (a collection of seven short videos on Forgiveness, Salvation, Relationship, Abandonment, Distress, Triumph, and Reunion.)
Franciscan Wisdom for Lent from the Capuchins
Fr. Casey Cole, OFM, “Don’t Give Up Anything for Lent”
A selection of videos for Lent from Bishop Robert Barron
The Way of the Franciscans: A Prayer Journey through Lent, by Fr. Dan P. Horan
The Last Words of Jesus: A Meditation on Love and Suffering
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