We have been
living the Franciscan Capuchin Charism for good number of years and it has made
an impact on our lives. This charism of ours should lead us now in this modern
world to self-analysis and self-renewal to be effective and to give answers and
solutions to the turmoil around us. We must now go out of ourselves to analyze
and renew the world in which we live. An introspection of our lives will lead
us to analysis of the society in which we live. The society badly needs you and
me as sons of Francis of Assisi.
There are wars,
disorder, killing, looting, hatred and race to be super powers through nuclear
powers. The values and moral principles are being forgotten and abandoned by
young and old. The result is seen everyday as we read newspapers and watch our
TV sets. There are groups who are disturbing peace and spreading fear among
citizens. Many of the members have good upbringing and family background and
yet they fall into trap of vested interests. Many of them are from broken
families and keep bad company. Some of them do not respect and obey the
political, social and religious customs and practices which can create a
wonderful society to live.
Jesus and Francis
were in societies which were similar to ours. There was persecution and war all
around but they had answers though misfits in their time. Their mission was not
to adjust themselves to the world in which they lived, but to adjust the world
to the will of God. They accepted and moved among those persecuted and
marginalized by society, they befriended them, loved them, and made available
the love and mercy of God.
Jesus and Francis
attacked with word of God those who tried to disturb the peace and order of the
society. There were those who were interested in themselves than in charity,
compassion and love. St. Francis was ridiculed, mocked, and dismissed as a madman
by people who feared him because he not only preached the Gospel, but dared to
live it. They were not accepted and followed by most of the people who wanted
their ways and wills to be done in the society and not God’s will and ways.
They were disowned by those who saw them as their enemies. They accepted God
and his commandments as long as they suited them. We have accepted both of
them, is it only their names or also their fire and spirit? Is their fire and
spirit dying in our hearts? Do we still hear their voice in our hearts to find
answers for our society?
We need to look
around because there are wars, riots, lawlessness and immorality. We can be the
faces of Jesus and Francis to those who are suffering in our society. We have
to condemn all that is not allowing the reign and kingdom of God to grow and
develop.
We ought to follow
the law but the spirit should also play a great role in bringing about change
and peace. We need to more generous and compassionate to suffering people
around us in order to translate the charism of Francis. There is injustice all
around us, what are we doing to uproot and destroy it? Are we silent spectators
in spite of the fire and spirit of Jesus burning in our hearts?
We stand a good
chance to eliminate all the evils with spirit of Jesus and Francis. It all
depends on us how best we put into practice and live it out in our day today
lives. Let us all lead the Gospel way of life to find answers to our troubled
world. The spirit of Christ and Francis needs to be kept burning to have the
love which will transform all that is negative around us.
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