BEING PASTORAL or How a Secular Franciscan Should Talk and Act

DEFINITIONS As we use it: Pastoral – (dictionary) (1) related to the farming or grazing of sheep or cattle (2) a literary, artistic or musical work portraying country life (3) relating to giving spiritual guidance by a member of the clergy As we use it: Means in a gentle, loving, compassionate manner

OUR RULE Perfect charity Follow Christ and the Gospel See and encounter Christ in every person Be witnesses and instruments Conform our thoughts, words and deeds to Christ Complete self-giving of Mary Stewards of all we are given

SUMMARY: KEEP RELATIONSHIPS ALIVE! OUR RULE Have a gentle and courteous spirit Promote justice by how we live Be full of peace, fidelity and respect for life Seek unity and harmony Be messengers of perfect joy SUMMARY: KEEP RELATIONSHIPS ALIVE! BE A COMMUNITY OF LOVE!

VATICAN II Have respect and love Dialogue Seek understanding Don’t judge Establish and maintain relationships

OUR WORLD Our life is counter-cultural World lives by the rule of “me” No concern for the “other” Easy to destroy reputations with Half-truths Anger Lying or violence Rigid opinions Poorly research information

TENSIONS IN OUR WORLD Practical & efficient vs. laid back and general Stickler for rules vs. guidelines only Devoted to a practice vs. view it as a waste of time

SOME CAUSES Anger Fear Ego – pride Jealousy Suspicion Insecurity Feeling of worthlessness

LIVING AS FRANCISCANS Called to live in community To be holy To live the Gospel Be people of love Be aware of our thinking process Actions caused by character flaw Actions caused by circumstances

LANGUAGE Use “I” language, not “you” language Not “you” language Leaves door open for dialogue Isn’t accusatory Not “you” language Causes feelings of insecurity Makes listener feel belittled Causes loss of face

ASSISTANCE IN SCRIPTURE Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Faithfulness Gentleness Self-control

EARLIER RULE Respect one another Be attentive to one another Honor one another without complaining

UNITY A condition of harmony -- Obstacles to unity: Quality or state of being made “one” Obstacles to unity: Angry words Refusal to forgive Aggressive attitudes Poor listening Rash opinions Unwillingness to understand Stubborn and rigid dogmatism Accusations Need to be right

DIALOGUE Understand Be compassionate Exercise forgiveness liberally Listen carefully Respond only after thought Love, compassion Soft voice