(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2026 Issue #118)
By Anne Hope Mulqueen, OFS • National Formation Commission
Faith is a gift from God and a grace-filled relationship with the Almighty. As we grow in faith, we are challenged to discern what God expects of us. True faith leads to action, and that action may vary depending on God’s unfolding purpose for each person’s life. In the Letter of James, he reminds us that faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:14).
True faith deepens our relationship with God and attunes our actions with his will. It is a form of surrender to the divine. It is a theological virtue through which we accept as true all that God has revealed to us through Scripture and the Church. As the apostle John wrote, let us not love only with words, but with action and in truth. (1 John 3:18).
Our father Francis exemplifies faith in action. His radical decisions to renounce wealth and social status demonstrated complete faith and trust in God’s providence. Perhaps the most remarkable example of Francis’ faith-driven actions was his care for lepers. Through compassionate service to lepers, faith became visible and changed the lives of those he served. Love expressed through action is the beating heart of faith.
Not to be overlooked is the example of St. Clare. Led by the Lord, she resisted her family’s expectations and, believing it was God’s will for her life, sought the privilege of poverty. Through her strong leadership, she lived faith in action, inspiring her Poor Ladies to serve the poor with humility and love.
Our patron saints, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Louis of France, also show us the way. Elizabeth and Louis, in their own unique ways, dedicated themselves to helping the poor and sick of their countries through acts of mercy. This is our heritage. This is our legacy. This is an example of how to live our faith every day.
Now is the time for us to do what we believe is right. Our faith should shape not only our attitudes but also our actions. Faith and action are intertwined.
In our Rule, Article 15 clearly states the connection between faith and action.
Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justive by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith.
As Secular Franciscans, our faith in action primarily focuses on our families, workplaces, and communities. This does not mean that efforts toward peace, justice, ecology, and other good works are not worthwhile. We are expected to advocate for all that is good and just. However, as secular persons immersed in the world, we have the greatest influence in these three areas.
In these areas and in all active engagement with the world, we are called to approach our ministry and apostolates through prayer. Prayer aligns our intentions with our faith. We are to bring the values of Christ – especially love, truth, mercy, and forgiveness – to those who desperately need to experience them.
Jesus summarizes faith in action by saying, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35). Love is the hallmark of faith-filled action and discipleship. Love does what it can to make the world a place where all experience “… conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ.” (OFS Rule, Article 13). Loving actions make faith visible.
When we finally meet our maker, may we hear these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant. …” (Matthew 25:21). What you did for the least, you did for me. (Paraphrase of Matthew 25:40).
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