(This article originally appeared in the Fall TAU-USA Issue #110)
By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, National Minister
Relationships is the third aspect of our national focus for 2022-2025. The Gospel and our Rule call us to be in relationship. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt 18:20 NAB
Reflecting on Jesus’ reminder from Matthew 18:20 – if two or three are gathered in his name, then He is there, we recognize that relationships with our Franciscan family members are especially important.
From August 22, the National Fraternity Council experienced our fraternal and pastoral visitations as required by Article 26 of the OFS Rule and Articles 92-95 of the OFS General Constitutions. We are connected with our fourth fraternity – the international fraternity. Through this process, we continued to build relationships with our international family. Although the official report is not expected for several months, the initial feedback was overall positive. The visitation identified areas for us to work on which fit in with our priorities and theme.
Over the last year, the National Executive Council (NEC) has worked on building or enhancing relationships with the Regional Executive Councils (RECs). We learned that some of our RECs have grappled with issues. Relationships are strained. Some relationships are wounded because of harsh behavior. We received a report of blatant racist behavior.
When relationships are good – it is easy for them to flourish. What are our reactions when the relationship is strained a bit? What happens if there is conflict?
Of course, none of us are perfect. We are called to live the Gospel. We will fall short at times. However, there is no place for racist attitudes or remarks in living the Gospel. Respectful dialogue is critical for our fraternal way of life. However, as we know from OFS Rule Article 7, we are called to daily, ongoing conversion. Thus, we must never lose hope that our transgressions can be overcome. We must take it seriously and be committed to start again each day.
For council members encountering these situations, they may need to implement Jesus’ teachings referenced earlier in Matthew 18 (verses 151n which are also woven into the procedures specified in our General Constitutions Articles 56.2 and 58.2. If our members don’t feel they have the skills to effectively address the issues, then please reach out to the other council members or the members of the next higher council level for assistance.
Let us be encouraged to look for opportunities to build relationships:
- within or outside the Franciscan family (OFS Rule Articles 1, 2, 12,17,19),
- with other members of the Church (OFS Rule Articles 5, 6, 8),
- with people in our communities (OFS Rule Articles 13,14,15, 16) or
- with the non-human part of creation (OFS Rule Articles 1 1, 18).
I am challenged to embrace the opportunities for perfect joy, so that God’s glory can shine. May the Holy Spirit lead us as we listen, discern, and go forth to build up the kingdom of God.
Gracias y Bendiciones Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas Ofs,por tan importante Articulo que debe iluminar nuestro Camino Relacional Franciscano.. ..abrazo fraterno de Paz y Bien desde Medellin Colombia!
Wonderfully written, I appreciate your comments. I’m a secular Franciscan from Detroit Michigan. I have not participated within the secular since 1985 when I join the Capuchin Franciscans.
In 1999 I left the Capuchins to work more earnestly with the poor and the marginated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have saw it out the companionship of the secular Franciscans here but it’s more of a monthly meeting type gathering and there the lack of community saddened me.
The words of the minister who wrote the document that I just got through reading
I pray for you, my brothers and sisters, earnestly and regularly, as I hope you pray for me, my blessings and my peace and Saint Francis, our brother and Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior