By Corinne Lorenzet, OFS
National Executive Council
In early December 2025, one of the daily gospel readings was from Matthew 7:24-25 “…like a wise man who built his house on rock…it did not collapse because it had been built solidly on rock.”. Article 4 of our Rule, placed at the beginning of Chapter 2, The Way of Life, is, to me, that rock, that foundation of what it means to live our Rule.
From the first line I’m reminded that we are grounded in observing the Gospel. When we make our professions, we say “…I promise to live all the days of my life the Gospel or our Lord Jesus Christ…”. How can I do this without going back, again and again, to the living Word, which always has something new to say to me, if I but pay attention.
As I continue on my Franciscan journey, I try to live Gospel to life, but more and more I’m finding I need to take my life back to the Gospel message, using it as a mirror in the manner of St. Clare, helping me to reflect on how I’m doing trying to live, each day, the profession I have made.
As one who does not believe that there are any coincidences with God, here is Pope Leo’s Intention for January, 2026: “For Prayer with the Word of God”.
“Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us build a more fraternal and missionary Church.”
Pretty Franciscan, wouldn’t you say?
May God give you peace!
OFS Rule Article 4
The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.
Christ, the gift of the Father’s love, is the way to him, the truth into which the Holy Spirit leads us, and the life which he comes to give abundantly.
Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to gospel.
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