By Christine Blood, OFS
National Councilor, OFS-USA
.

Portrait photo Christine Blood

Christine Blood, OFS National Councilor

Article 13 of the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order is one of the most demanding invitations in our Rule, and it is the blueprint for how I engage with others.

It calls me to recognize each person as a “gift of the Lord and an image of Christ,” to look beyond superficial differences, and to offer others the dignity and love they deserve.

St. Francis embraced the leper not because the encounter was pleasant, but because he understood that avoiding the leper meant avoiding Christ. We all have “lepers” in our lives—people we may be tempted to avoid or dismiss. In my past, mine included an unhoused person on the corner, parishioners, a friend, and even a fraternity member.

Living this Article requires my daily self-examination:

  • Whom do I overlook or avoid?
  • Do I treat others with courtesy and respect?
  • Do I love wholeheartedly without expecting love in return?

Loving those who love me is easy (Luke 6:32). True Franciscan JOY comes when I meet others as equals and love them unconditionally, especially those who are difficult to love. In those encounters, I discover that Christ is already there waiting for me.

 OFS Rule Article 13

As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ. A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially with the lowly for whom they shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ.