By Joshua Molidor, OFS
National Executive Committee Councilor
Joshua Molidor, OFS
Many of us, who may have spent years living with our spouse, have been reminded of our matrimonial promise….to love, honor, and cherish. In sickness and health, for better or for worse, till death do we part.
Usually, it is our spouse who reminds us. Sometimes it is our parish priest, our family members, or our friends, for they were probably present for our wedding, and now see just how well we have kept this vow to our beloved.
Some of us have been blest with children and should remember the priest’s words “You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him or her in the practice of the Faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand this commitment that you are undertaking?” Again, another bold promise, with family, friends, and our parish witnessing.
How many of us contemplate the time when we placed our hands into our minister’s hands, in front of our fraternity members, our family members, and the Church, and “ask to be admitted to profession of the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order and to make a permanent commitment to the gospel life.”
I have heard some say they don’t even remember this milestone in their lives, which is so sad, as we told all our friends and family…three times…that “ This is what I want!”
Let us all go back and re-read our promise, beginning on page 20 in our Ritual. Read slowly, take it all in, and see if your heart speaks YES to you. Listen to your heart. Discern how you need to improve in your commitment to gospel living, and now go forth boldly into the world, giving witness to the Word! Let your renewed commitment stoke the fires of your fraternity, start taking on more responsibilities on your local/regional council, and participate more fully in the fraternity’s apostolate.
Spirit of God, be with us as we recommit to live more fully the gospel life that we promised so long ago.
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