(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2024 Digital Issue #112)

by Joe Makley, OFS National JPIC Animator

San Felipe de Jesus Fraternity in Laredo, Texas, participating in a Catholic Charities food drive as a Lenten apostolate.

“If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?” (James 2: 15,16.)

It could also be said, if we see a river of people wandering without protection, all their savings stolen, preyed upon by criminals and officials alike, huddled against our national border, and we say to them, “peace and all good,” and do nothing to help them obtain food, shelter, and safety, what good is that?

Every Secular Franciscan wants to do more of course. We want our love to have an effect. The model of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) helps to remind us of the challenges and rewards of authentic love, which is made visible in actions of solidarity. Secular Franciscans get together collectively, in their fraternities and regions, and ask themselves, what are the needs in this community? And they form an organized effort to meet the need. A collective apostolate is not a requirement of every fraternity, but it’s helpful. The members each bring their gifts and in turn experience fraternity, connection, and community. Our efforts are maximized when we find ways to connect them with others.

In many areas of the USA, we can show solidarity with the marginalized and the destitute, including immigrants, by getting involved with Catholic Charities USA or one of its affiliates. This picture is of San Felipe de Jesus Fraternity in Laredo, Texas, participating in a Catholic Charities food drive as a Lenten apostolate. Thanks to Chris Kolb, JPIC animator for the Los Tres Compañeros Region, for sending it in.

Recently at the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region’s annual retreat in Kennebunkport, Father Sam Fuller, OFM Cap, described the work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries, a street ministry in Boston. “Get out of the buildings,” he said. “Meet people on the streets. Don’t proselytize, don’t try to make them Christian, instead, let them lead the conversation, empty yourself in service to them.” Roberta, an OFS volunteer, added, “What happens is different than just sandwiches and coffee. It’s all about the spiritual gifts.”

Another benefit of a regular apostolate is a sense of unity. Father Sam brought our attention to Pope Francis’ encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, and how he used the story of the Good Samaritan in a long passage that emphasized the unity of love and service. These are beautiful examples of love in action.

There is much work to be done on the public policy front, to help change unjust conditions. Our US Bishops Office has straightforward positions on public issues. They encourage advocacy and provide assistance that is important to know about and share. But direct service to the poor is not controversial. Some folks still try to make it so. Remember, “God is love and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” (1 Jn 4:16). My mother taught our family to sing that as a spiritual. I’ve got it in my brain stem, way down deep. If we are troubled when someone sows discord by demonizing immigrants or other groups, we can remember that passage. As we give ourselves in service together, we will truly abide in love. We will be one in God’s mercy and feel ourselves lifted up on those eagles’ wings.