The Integrity of Creation, Justice and Peace are intrinsically linked with Francis of Assisi. People recognise that Francis was a true lover of the whole of God’s creation and that he recognised that everything was inter-related, inter-dependent, precious and holy. His mission from God was to repair brokenness wherever he came across it so that right relationship would be restored.
As Secular Franciscans, if we have truly chosen to follow Christ through the example set by Francis, then we have really opted to work tirelessly, wherever we are, for the bringing about of Integrity of Creation, Justice and Peace in our world of today.
Integrity of Creation incorporates respecting and valuing the whole of God’s creation and striving for its well-being by nurturing and caring for it and not abusing or using it selfishly. We recognise that we are part of a great chain of being, from the smallest particle to the whole universe with God at the centre. Everything has its sacred space and is called to holiness. Our acknowledgment and response, in upholding the integrity of creation, results in us walking humbly with our God.
Justice requires us to stand side by side, in solidarity with those who are oppressed, marginalised, outcast, disadvantaged or poor and to strive for fair treatment and dignity for all without prejudice. Being a Christian and acting justly means being involved with restorative justice in contrast to retribution. Restorative justice necessitates facing reality, repentance and forgiveness, restitution if possible, reconciliation, and healing, which leads to becoming more whole.
Peace is being in right-relationship and harmony with others and all of God’s creation. Francis, knowing that as we have all been made in the image of God, we are God’s children and therefore brothers and sisters to one another, went about greeting all he met with the words, “May the Lord give you peace.” Having peace and goodwill within our hearts enables us to love others tenderly thereby ‘sharing the love and peace of Christ’ with those we encounter.
The Integrity of Creation, Justice and Peace are very important elements as the stones in the foundation on which the Franciscan family has been built. Each aspect is part of building the Kingdom of God with the help of the Holy Spirit and each other.
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This is what the Lord asks of you,
only this,
To act justly,
To love tenderly,
And to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
As Secular Franciscans we are called to become more Christ-like in our attitudes and responses to the issues and challenges of our present-day society. As Franciscans, we inherit the same mission as Francis; wherever we are, we have been called to repair and rebuild broken humanity, which makes up the Body of Christ, the Church.
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Christ has no body now, but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands
Yours are the feet
Yours are the eyes
You are His body
Christ has no body now, but yours.
(St Theresa’s Prayer)
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