Topic 5 strengthens my understanding of the Franciscan charism. It puts it into words, lots of them!
But as we know from Franciscan history, poverty and how to live it has been the subject of debate, dispute and discord!
Personally, I think that the answer is that we must be both contemplative and active. Francis spent about half his converted life in hermitages and half outside in the cloister of the world with his brothers.
Being contemplative today for seculars means studying the signs of the times. It is very demanding in terms of time for most of us. So some of us must try to make it easier for the rest! Which is what the OLOTA JPIC Action Plan and this course are about. I pray the Holy Spirit will make it work for without that help we are lost.
Pax et bonum!
I do so much agree with your statement, Andrew, "being contemplative today for seculars means studying the signs of the times." In the Cursillo movement, we are encouraged to study not only written material (e.g. books and current events) but also our environments, and each person we encounter. We pray for the gift of discernment as we do so. St. Paul encourages all Christians to desire the gift of prophecy, to go beyond discernment to the proclamation of God's Word into our situations.
For me, Topic Five has altered my understanding of my charism as a would-be Franciscan, in that practical ways to implement Franciscan spirituality seem to spring up everywhere as I proceed in my formation. Even certain forms of social activism (which in the past I have tended to relegate to "someone else") can become part of my vocation too.
For me, Topic Five has altered my understanding of my charism as a would-be Franciscan, in that practical ways to implement Franciscan spirituality seem to spring up everywhere as I proceed in my formation. Even certain forms of social activism (which in the past I have tended to relegate to "someone else") can become part of my vocation too.