To Live as Francis Lived: A Guide For Secular Franciscans (The Path of Franciscan Spirituality)

As a non-Catholic, I find Francis of Assisi fascinating as a man who gave up the life he knew, with all its privileges, to live with as little as possible so as to serve the people as Christ did. So I was happy to find this easy-to-read book.The book is divided into different sections consisting of ÒreflectionsÓ, which are what normal people call ÒchaptersÓ.The first section is called the ÒFoundationÓ which is, as the authors put it, ÒJesus Christ and no other.Ó That says it all, doesnÕt it? Each reflection, such as ÒThe Grace of ChristÓ, ÒThe Real ChristÓ, ÒJesus Visible TodayÓ, ÒMary, Our Mother and ModelÓ, explains the different roles Christ plays in the Franciscan life.The second section covers ÒConversionÓ, the painful process we must endure if we are to throw away our old ways and adopt a new attitude. This is explored in reflections such as ÒPenance: Turning to God and Away from SinÓ, ÒThe Poverty of ChristÓ, ÒThe Poverty for the KingdomÓ (easily the hardest part of the conversion process), ÒHumility Toward OthersÓ, ÒA Life of ChastityÓ (possibly the second hardest), and ÒYouth, Hope for the FutureÓ.The third section is a group of reflections on prayer. I found information here that hasnÕt been explained by anybody else as plainly before. You get into what is prayer, whatÕs it for, what are the ingredients? Then it goes into what I call the ÒCatholic elementsÓ of liturgy and Eucharist.The fourth set of reflections teaches the role of those who call themselves apostles, which we can do if we follow Jesus and help others do so as well. You learn how to see Christ in others, how to represent Christ to others (a personal Jesus, if you will), how to love ALL people, what is the role of family (however defined), whatÕs really involved in forgiveness, what exactly do we mean by ÒjusticeÓ (important this day and age), how to be a peacemaker, what is consumerism doing to the environment we are charged with caring for, what is the role of work, how are we to regard those with illnesses, and what perfect joy is all about.At the end of each reflection, there are instruments for further study. You find questions for reflectionÓ to see if you understood the chapter, important Òapplications to daily lifeÓ, a prayer thatÕs relevant to the discussion, and you are also given scriptural and other references for each ÒreflectionÓ.By the end of the book you will have enough basic knowledge of what itÕs like to truly live as Francis lived to be able to decide whether to study further or abandon it. ItÕs a small book that can be covered in two afternoons. ItÕs a very plain-spoken book that opened my eyes about what devout religious life is all about.As for me, I would have liked to have seen more mentioned about the other woman in FrancisÕ life, Clare of Assisi, and the roles of women in general in Franciscan life. Also, the book calls itself a guide to secular Franciscans, and that membership in the Catholic Church is required for Secular Franciscan Order. I take exception to that.After all, what is being a Franciscan is all about? On the outset it means patterning your beliefs after those of the legendary Francis of Assisi, but in reality you are simply patterning your life after Christ. And you shouldnÕt have to join the Catholic Church or any other form of organized religion to do that.So, to live as Francis lived is to live as Christ lived. CHRIST, not the hateful, misogynist, homophobic, and full-of-himself self-appointed apostle Paul. If I may paraphrase from the first chapter, as a friend of Francis your purpose is to respond to GodÕs love with TOTAL love of your own. This book puts you well on the path of doing just that, if you open your mind to what it has to say. Highly recommended.

This book is very informative. On the back of each chapter there are questions to reflect on pertaining to the chapter. There are suggested writings from scripture and Franciscan writings to further deepen the meaning of each part you read. Do not make the mistake of ignoring the introduction. Buy the book Francis: The Journey and The Dream by Fr. Murray Bodo to assist you in studying. I use a Catholic Bible for scripture. This book is a resouceful tool for my own spiritual journey. This is not a book to simply breeze through which makes it that much more satisfying.

This book is everything I expected, a retreat like book that takes you week by week with prayers, reflections, recommended Bible passages to read that week, and questions to ask yourself for relection on how you can follow Christ in the way of St. Francis in your own daily life. I recommend buying this book along with the book, "Francis: The Journey and the Dream" by Fr. Murray Bodo, O.F.M, because this book has suggested readings from fr. Murray's book for the weeks as well.

This is a wonderful book and it is used for our Secular Franciscan formation. We can't be Jesus or St. Francis but we can learn new ways to adapt our life style to live as Francis lived loving Jesus making Jesus the center of his life. I have read it numerous times and always find something new to try.

A good view on Fransiscan life and history. So many things were new for me, and parts can and should be reread-

Haven't completed the book by a long shot; however, this text from early on inspires, informs, & guides exceptionally well. It's a wonderful resource for anyone involved in the initial formation of the Secular Franciscan Order. I look forward to using this book as an inspirational "aide in prayer, & as an aide to establishing a schedule in the pursuit of the Franciscan way of life ~ultimately a closer life with Jesus".

The subtitle calls it a guide for Secular Franciscans, but I would suggest that it is valuable to all Christians who have an interest in the "Little Poor Man" of Assisi and the message of simplicity that he brought. Non Christians might also look to this book for an insight into Christianity.

This is an excellent book that our fraternity of Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis (Third order of St. Francis Secular) uses in formation of candidates and inquirers. It is also excellent for on-going formation or anyone who wants to live a simple, gospel directed life in the charism of St. Francis of Assisi. Peace and all good.

The book covers all aspects of the Secular Franciscan Rule and is of great help to formation ministers in the help of new people seeking to join our order

A brilliant book for Tertiary Franciscans. With a reflection suitable for daily or weekly use it provides information, guidance and though provoking content to enable growth in following Jesus in the Franciscan way

Perfect for those interested in membership of the Secular Franciscan Order.

Very good

This is a good introduction to the Secular Franciscan Order and Franciscan spirituality. It should encourage the reader to seek to enhance still further their interest in the SFO and the Franciscan Family.