Monthly Spiritual Message, July 2008
By Friar David M. Huebner OFM Conv,
In the previous spiritual letter I focused in on dysfunctional individualism to draw attention to and express in current terms, something that has always existed, namely people doing their own thing while calling “the thing that they do” God’s will. We all suffer from this in varying degrees. Why? Well it’s natural for us to do so. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1707) points out that while human beings desire to do good, our damaged nature (original sin) actually inclines us towards evil. In other words the way we go about doing things is subject to error. This forms the basic insight into dysfunctional individualism.
Friar Lothar Hardick OFM in his commentary on Francis’ Second Admonition tells us that it is in the will of a person that the aspect of being made in God’s image is most clearly apparent. The Second Admonition is based on Gen 2. 16-17. In this admonition Francis endorses the view that incorrect use of self will denies the fact that the real purpose of the human will is to choose to do and work in harmony with God’s will. In other words God is the true Lord of our self will, not ourselves. God is God of our will. We are not the highest authority concerning our choices.
According to Francis the essential aspect of sin is a rejection of God’s will. This attitude underlies every sin and is at the very heart of an individual who expresses his/her vocation in a dysfunctional way. Such a one (perhaps you or me) claims her/his will as his/her personal property, not God’s. One such as this shows through their normal mode of inter acting with others that “they do it their way!”
Again, Hardick commenting on the Second Admonition leads us to the insight that at the heart of every temptation, in one form or another, is the incentive “you will be like God,” you won’t need to be told what to do – you will be able to do as you think best!
The antidote for this corruption of the human spirit is interior conversion towards life giving union with God. For Franciscans the conversion tool par excellence has always been penance. Penance in essence being a turning towards God via faith, sorrow and love. This requires self discipline.
Rule 7 of the Secular Franciscan Order state in part that human frailty makes it necessary for the penance of conversion to be carried out daily. Page 68 of Pick More Daisies reminds us of the importance of relationships in the life of a Christian and even more so for Franciscans. How we view those around us is exposed by the things we do, say, feel about them. The attitudes we express, the looks we give, the quality of our interaction with them.
The conversion of penance away from the sickness of dysfunctional individualism towards life giving union is always a journey undertaken with and through other people. Merely modifying external behavior will never suffice and although we do need to modify our behavior superficially at times, true conversion of attitude can only take place in our heart.
So – how do we express ourselves in our Fraternities? Do we express ourselves in ways that lead to unity or separation? Are our views merely opinions open for discussion or views that must be adopted? Do we administer peace or discord? Am I a dysfunctional kind of individual that needs a necessary life giving conversion, or do I merely need a tune up?
These are good questions to ask of yourself. The questions are answered by our attitude and feelings towards those we view as the least in our local fraternity. May your own attitudes lead you towards the peace and joy that only life giving union can provide.
May the Lord grant you peace.
Friar David M. Huebner OFM Conv, National Assistant SFO – Oceania.
