When Secular Franciscans were still using the Rule of Saint Francis of Pope Leo XIII, Father Marion Habig, OFM, in 1972 published his "New Catechism of the Third Order" published by Franciscan Herald Press. As you remember, the current Rule was issued, somewhat revised, by Pope Paul VI, several years later. The catechism in question has some very practical advice under the chapter title: The Golden Mean. We would like to present here some portions of that chapter for educational purposes.

Secular Franciscans (SF) are urged to live a life of moderation. "Moderation implies the use of the goods of this life in a manner intended by God, from whom we receive them. It is opposed to extravagance and luxury, to vanity and snobbishness." And the text goes on to say that this moderation refers to dress (appearance and clothes), dwelling, furniture, food and drink (e.g. how could we begin to associate with the poor when we're living in luxury? We simply could not understand their needs, and therefore be unable to live in their shoes. It is common to ask well-known people to have their feet washed on Holy Thursday, by the Celebrant or Presider, just ask Jesus washed the feet of the apostles at the Last Supper. But could you, as a person used to luxury wash the feet of some very poor person, whose life is on the streets because he has no place to go?)

So SF should live a life of simplicity, moderation and propriety. They should be dressed appropriately according to the traditions of the area they live in. The apparel we wear should be decent, or to put it another way... dress like you're going to church. Cleanliness is a virtue so we don't look unkempt or unwashed. But again, the poor also come to church, sometimes. We must be tolerant, too. When a poor or homeless person comes to church, we should make room for them. Very often people see them as someone not of our breeding and just stare at them but we do not offer to help the person. Give that person a seat and if you're sitting next to him or her, DO NOT move away. Accept this poor soul as your brother or sister in Christ.

With most people in USA having either cable or satellite television in one or more rooms in their residences, it is easy to get into a situation of viewing movies that are less than modest in content. Despite the ratings, many well-rated movies may have sexual content, or vile language. It is best to avoid these movies or when an offensive scene appears to just shut that movie off. It's not worth pursuing that type of entertainment and to continue to dwell on immodest scenes could be sinful. So SF refrain from that type of situation.

Families of SF, particularly teenagers, should be taught to discern what they read particularly in books or the type of shows they might watch in television. They should avoid material that "1. glorifies crime or the criminal; 2. describe in detail ways how a crime is committed; 3. hold lawful authority in disrespect; 4. exploit horror, cruelty or violence; 5. portray offensive sexual content; 6. feature indecent, lewd or suggestive photographs or illustrations; 7. carry advertising which is offensive in content which may lead to physical or moral harm; 8. use blasphemous, profane or obscene speech indiscriminately and repeatedly; and, 9. hold up to ridicule any national, religious, or racial group."

In recent years, people whom you see or hear on the street or in stores or malls, seem to have lost all self-control. The words that come from their mouths are often not those SF should use or listen to. This is particularly the case with teenagers or even young adults. "[We] must learn to control our senses and faculties because they tend toward that which is contrary to right reason and the law of God ever since the fall of our first parents." "Concupiscence is the most dangerous of our enemies, because we have it always with us/ It consists of the concupiscence or lust of the flesh, the concupiscence or lust of the eyes (unrestrained curiosity and avarice), and the pride of life (see 1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.") or willfulness." Prayer and penance will overcome the concupiscence of the flesh and guarding the senses (what we see, hear, smell, feel, etc.). There's nothing in this area for us, except trouble.

So we're urged to use self-control and we know that this takes self-denial and penance and that with the assistance of divine grace we can as SF live a decent, simple, and holy life. We have spoken of penance which used to be called (and really still is) mortification. Father Habig describes mortification as follows:

"1. Refusing to yield to evil inclinations to the extent of avoiding grievous sins and the occasion of such sins. This degree is required of all at all times.
2. Withstanding evil inclinations to the extent of avoiding deliberate venial sins.
3. Doing that which is both lawful and pleasant, not merely for the sake of the pleasure derived from it, but with the right intention, that is, for the honor of God and out of love for God.
4. Renouncing at least some satisfactions of the sensitive appetite which are lawful and permitted.
5. Deliberately taking upon ourselves something that is unpleasant with the right motive, e. g. fasting and abstinence.
6. Loving the cross and bearing it with joy, out of love for Christ Crucified and to become more like Christ. St. Francis described this degree of mortification to Brother Leo in his story about perfect joy."

In today's world, as compared to the time Saint Francis lived, because of modern technology, we must be especially careful what we bring into our homes via radio, television and Internet. The Internet is a wonderful tool to bring the Word of God to visitors and other surfers, and to evangelize for our Faith, but at the same time, we are but one click away from bringing evil stuff into our homes. Here we must exercise our most strenuous mortification to bar all this evil from our homes. SF really must mortify their senses, or holiness goes out the window. Remember that in all of this, the devil is stoking up the fires of temptation. Yes, Satan is real and he strikes when we least expect it and particularly when we're down, when we are having a weak moment or a time when we're teetering on the edge between good and evil. Satan and evil is synonymous. Fight evil with all your might, with all your strength and ask Jesus to be with you in that battle. Secular Franciscans always live their lives in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, using the example and Rule of our Seraphic Father, Saint Francis. Saint Francis, pray for us. St. Clare pray for us!

(Written by F. Schaeffer, SFO 4-30-2003)