There are all
too many instances where professed Secular Franciscans "drop
off" the rolls when they reach their elder years. They do not
come to meetings anymore, for whatever reason... but they should
speak with their Fraternity Minister to let the Minister know
why they cannot come. Often, these problems can be solved. Even
though you are not a part of the active fraternity, you are
still a Franciscans. Therefore we are not going to just forget
you. By the same token, you should not forget about us, either.
"I can't come
to the meetings, because..." Again, if there is a solid reason,
you may be excused, but you need to discuss that with your
Fraternity Minister.
Some people,
once professed, seem to think that they've reached the pinnacle,
and then there is nothing else they need to do. Well, if you
think in these terms, we need to talk. Once professed, there is
continual formation. What is the main emphasis of the SFO - to
prepare you for life eternal, and the SFO does this so well by
living the Gospel life with their sisters and brothers. Your
profession is only the beginning of a long and happy
relationship, often a difficult and challenging one, with the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and Mary, Our Mother, and
St. Francis. In order to love God more, you must consciously
strive to sin no more, or to at least, sin less! That takes time
and so, the formation needs to be a part of your life.
Profession is God's gift to us. He loves us, and by
reciprocating, by living the Rule of St. Francis, we show we
love Him!
People in my
fraternity do not get along, there is constant bickering. That
is not a reason to abandon ship. Have you tried to sit down with
this person(s) to reason with them? Have you prayed for them?
Some people, when they get to a certain age become irritable or
opinionated about everything, and then personalities clash. It
is a challenge to help these folks. Remember, they are your
sister and brother, and if you cannot make peace within the
Fraternity, which must be a place of holiness and unity, then
how could you possibly get along outside of the Fraternity
structure?
"I don't get
anything out of the meetings...." - Ask yourself the question
"What have I brought to it lately, and you'll find out why you
don't get anything out of it!!" (The same reasoning is true for
those who say that they do not get anything out of attending
Holy Mass!)
