Ruth's Book I

Franciscans are People of Peace

   The Secular Franciscan Rule and Constitutions admonish Secular Franciscans to, “make the greatest endeavor to restore and promote the spirit of charity and peace.” Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Followers of St. Francis and those since his time have greeted one another with the phrase “Pax et Bonum!” — “Peace and Goodness to you!” St. Francis used this greeting.

    So, one of the Franciscan apostolates is peace and peace-making. Peace in this sense does not mean the absence of problems, temptations or suffering. What it does mean is the inner serenity that comes from Christ-centered living, which is generated within us, extends out in our relationship with others.

    In order to be a peacemaker one has to be humble and charitable. He must aim at truth in any given situation. This is all-important. Truth! We must be honest with ourselves in our inmost thoughts. We must try not to be alibi artists, making excuses for our weaknesses, lapses and mistakes — not to ourselves or to anyone else.

    We must face the truth if we are to be apostles of peace and good will. Someone once said, “The man who excuses himself accuses himself.” What we really are will surface sooner or later. Sooner or later a phony will be recognized.

    In the interests of peace we must be patient and forbearing. We could, with profit, make inseparable companions of two well known bears, “Bear” and “Forebear.”

    We should also try to learn the art of silence — there is a time when it is better to be silent than to speak.

   God’s peace can sometimes come only through a galling, deliberate and flattening of one’s own ego. To insist on one’s own point of view is disruptive to peace and really quite unimportant. Sometimes when we know we are right it is better not to insist on proving it. We can have within ourselves the peace of knowing we are right; that Jesus knows it and that in silence we are keeping His peace; and really, what difference does it make anyway — sometimes, even in war, peace is brought about by surrender. To give in with dignity in order to keep peace, as long as no Christian principle is in jeopardy, is the Christ-like way.

Prayer of a Bonded Servant

May I be your disciple, Jesus,

Work for you and not ask for pay?

Just a volunteer slave to you, Master,

From morning to night, day by day.

Not counting the cost, nor the labor,

Just happy to serve as I do;

Not giving a thought to vacations;

How could I wish a vacation from you.

Just a slave in your household forever,

Giving my heart all out to you there.

Not wanting another thing, Jesus,

But to know I’m secure in your care.