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.
