Reflection
on Our Profession
As
Secular Franciscans
By: Rich Backlas, OFS
As a young lad I remember going with my
mother to the local post office, as she mailed a care package to one of my
relatives who was in the military. The
time was World War II. In the post
office there was a prominent poster showing Uncle Sam with the American Flag in
the background. He was pointing with his
hand directly in front, pointing at you, with the slogan that read “I WANT
YOU.”
As a prankish boy I would go to all the
different corners of the post office room to try to avoid Uncle Sam’s gaze upon
me but no matter where I went I could not escape that gaze or pointing hand.
As I grew older I reasoned, how would this
poster be, if the person portrayed was Jesus Christ saying, “I WANT YOU.”
At our last ongoing formation gathering,
we had a very informative question and answer session about Padre Pio and his
life. A servant of God, truly a devoted
priest of Jesus Christ, he dedicated his life of servitude to accomplish all
that was asked of him.
His gifts of discernment moved hearts of
the mild mannered and the hardened as well.
People, who would normally be shunned by society, were brought to a
renewal of faith and salvation history took place. Padre Pio became an example to all of us as
Franciscans to follow his example. He,
as Francis, our founder, become our role models.
We are called to a commitment to use our
gifts, to bring about a positive change in the world. The challenges we face in the new year of
2019, within our Church, compel us to take an active role as Franciscans to
bring about a common good! While we
might question how effective we can be, we must realize that all things are
possible with God.
“And if God is for us, who can be against
us?” May we dedicate ourselves daily, to
do His will. Amen.
Pax et bonum
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