More than 500 Secular Franciscans from across the United States gathered in Lexington, Kentucky, this week for the 21st Quinquennial Congress, where National Minister Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, welcomed attendees to several days of prayer, fellowship, and renewal centered on the theme, “The Easter of St. Francis: Rekindle the Flame.”

The Congress opened with the celebration of the Eucharist by the Most Rev. Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington. In his homily, Bishop Stowe challenged those gathered to embrace their Franciscan vocation as witnesses of hope in a world marked by division and distrust.

“We live in a divided nation and world,” he said, “where people are more aggressive and less hospitable to others, and we often see one another in the worst possible light.” Amid that reality, he reminded Secular Franciscans of their calling: “We are professed to live the Gospel as shining lights for others.”

Reflecting on the joy of the gathering, Bishop Stowe added, “How beautiful that we gather in fraternity and form a family as missionaries of peace and heralds of the Gospel.”

Drawing from the Scriptures, Bishop Stowe cautioned against allowing discouragement or self-pity to define our lives. Referring to the prophet Jeremiah, he urged the faithful not to fall into the trap of blaming God when life becomes difficult.

“Living the faith is meant to spread an abiding joy and commit ourselves to something greater,” he said.

The bishop then reflected on the day’s reading, a Gospel account of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Even as they stood before the tomb of their beloved brother, Martha and Mary professed their faith in Jesus.

Bishop Stowe noted that Jesus found peace in the home of Martha and Mary.  This welcome contrast to the hostility and opposition He often encountered in Jerusalem.

Bishop Stowe explained that the sisters represent two complementary dimensions of Christian discipleship. Martha symbolizes the active work of building God’s kingdom through works of mercy and justice such as advocating for immigrants, feeding those who are hungry, and working to build peace. Mary represents the contemplative life, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His Word, and drawing strength through prayer.

The two are inseparable.

Through meditation on the Gospel and a life of prayer, Bishop Stowe said, Christians are called not to keep their faith confined within the walls of a chapel but to carry it into the streets where the world’s needs await.

He reminded the assembly that every Franciscan needs something of both Martha and Mary. Even St. Clare, often regarded as the spiritual companion of St. Francis, understood that contemplation alone was not enough and encouraged Francis to balance prayer with mission.

Bishop Stowe concluded by inviting the assembly to choose hope over despair.

“We can look at the tomb and the world Mary and Martha saw and ask, ‘What is the point?’ Or we can be messengers of hope and build God’s kingdom.”

Likewise, he said, “When things don’t go our way, we can blame God. Or we can come to know Jesus in each other and challenge each other to find the truth and hope in the Eucharist.”

His final prayer was both simple and profound.

“May God help us to become a family where people can encounter Jesus. Let us proclaim the Resurrection.”

The 21st Quinquennial Congress continues through Saturday.