After His time in the desert, Jesus embarked on an earthly ministry that transformed the world. His ministry was defined by intimate engagement and radical inclusiveness. Jesus reached out to all, inviting every person in His community and beyond to experience God’s love and mercy. He did not merely preach from a distance; He demonstrated the Gospel through prayer, compassionate service, and a commitment to reconciling humanity with God.
Jesus’ approach to mission was a revelation of love and compassion. It was a disclosure of Truth and Hope. He called His followers to train in His ways, aligning their lives with the Father’s will. By interweaving prayer with action, He showed that a deep connection with God fuels effective ministry. His life served as a living testimony that personal transformation can ignite communal renewal, breaking down barriers and welcoming everyone into a relationship with the divine. Are we truly reaching out to those on the margins of our communities? Are we, like Jesus, committed to breaking down the walls that separate people from the love and mercy of God?
For us as Secular Franciscans, Jesus’ example calls for a similar dedication to transformation and mission. Like St. Francis of Assisi, who modelled a life imitating Christ through the Gospel and Sacred Tradition, we are entrusted with carrying forward the mission of love and reconciliation. Our journey demands a radical interior change—a conversion of thought and deed as emphasized in Rule 7. This ongoing conversion is not about achieving perfection but about continually aligning ourselves with the Gospel, even amid our imperfections and struggles.
Rule 9 further challenges us to express our love for Mary in a meaningful way. Our devotion should go beyond simple prayer; we are called to imitate her complete self-giving by learning about her life, virtues, and humility. Deepening our understanding of Mary enriches our spiritual formation and fortifies our commitment to the Gospel. The simplest expression of this is the Franciscan Crown. But it should not stop there! It is through this active engagement—studying her example and reflecting on her trust in God—that we strengthen our ability to live out our mission authentically.
In our modern lives, the practical demands of daily responsibilities can easily distract us from our sacred duties. Rule 10 reminds us that we must perform our responsibilities with diligence and care. It is vital that we allocate time for spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study, and community engagement, even amidst the pressures of modern busyness. Neglecting these practices risks undermining our formation and the mission we have embraced. We must be intentional in setting aside time to grow spiritually and serve others.
It is also essential to recognize that our mission is not a solitary endeavour. Once we profess our commitment, we join a wider fellowship that supports and sustains us. The regular gatherings and monthly meetings we attend are more than formalities; they are opportunities for shared reflection, mutual encouragement, and collective renewal. This communal support helps us navigate challenges and reinforces the truth that our strength is found not solely in individual effort but in the bonds of our community and the larger Church. However, it does not start and stop there but is supposed to nourish us for the journey ahead. If we are not on a journey to show and bring others into a relationship with Jesus Christ, then what are we doing?
St. Francis’ call to “begin again because up until now we have done nothing” reminds us that every moment offers a fresh start in our journey of faith. This powerful invitation challenges us to cast aside complacency and continually renew our dedication to living in the likeness of Christ. By embracing this perpetual opportunity for conversion and transformation, we affirm our readiness to serve as ambassadors of hope, love, and reconciliation in a divided world.
In reflecting on the ministry of Jesus, we are urged to balance personal transformation with active service, to learn from His example, and to continuously recommit ourselves to the mission of the Gospel. As Secular Franciscans, our calling is a dynamic process of growth, learning, and communal support—a journey in which every new beginning brings us closer to embodying the love of Christ. May we always rise to this calling.
Pax et Bonum,
Anthony Saliba OFS
National Formator
