Refound in the Franciscan Tradition

Appendix to Chapter 4

Appendix to Chapter 4 Article 89 1. The witness of one's life or the silent proclamation of the reign of God is what one might call the beginning of evangelization and the first step in proclaiming the gospel.1 This witness is the duty of all brothers, both cleric and lay.2 It can and should be given by preachers, by those who spend their time in prayer, by those who work, by both young and old, by those who enjoy good health and those who are ill.3 Living in lowliness and in fraternity, they acknowledge that they are Christians. 2. Verbal witness or explicit proclamation4 is another way of proclaiming the gospel. Those who by reason of their office are entrusted with the ministry of the word perform this service. They proclaim the name and teaching, the life and promise, the mystery and reign of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. A. They should live among the nations as subject to all, and acknowledge that they are Christians (cf. RnB 16, 6) Article 90 The brothers should attach great importance to their Catholic faith as a gift from God. They should profess their faith humbly, courageously and joyfully before all without any human respect.1 Article 89 1 cf. EN 21; EnB 16, 6 2 cf. RnB 17, 5 3 cf. RnB 23, 7 4 cf. EN 22; RnB 16, 7 Article 90 1 cf. RnB 16, 6 Article 91 The brothers should not seek or accept privileges for themselves or their fraternities,1 except the privilege of minority. According to the saying of St. Francis, the brothers will bear fruit in the Church of god if, as lesser ones, they remain in the lowly position that is appropriate to their calling.2 Article 92 1. When they live among people who believe in Christ, the brothers should consider themselves indebted to God for his favors and should strive with all their might that all, in unity and love, persevere in the true faith and penance.1 2. More and more people want to live their faith and celebrate it in ways better adapted to their native genius.2 The brothers should help willingly in this task of inculturation.3 Article 93 1. The brothers should strive to listen to others reverently, with love that is genuine. They should gladly learn from the people among whom they live, and especially from the poor who are our teachers.1 They should be willing to enter into dialogue with all.2 2. The brothers should detect seeds of the Word and the secret presence of God in today's world and in a goodly number of Article 91 1 cf. Test 25-26 2 cf. 2 Cel 148 cf. ' Leg Per 115 Article 92 1 cf. RnB 23, 7 2 cf. Med M 14 3 cf. CPO 81, 9 Article 93 1 cf. Bah 11; cf. Vincent de Paul, Entretiens, Coste X, 332 2 cf. Med M 24 elements in other religions and cultures.3 They should undertake a study of these religions and cultures with a sense of great reverence. Article 94 The evangelization of cultures is of the greatest importance and should be nurtured earnestly by the brothers. Thus, truly human values can increase in all areas of life and affronts to human dignity can be eliminated.1 Article 96 1. The brothers should be altogether convinced of the seriousness and urgency of social problems. They should thoroughly learn and teach the Church's doctrine on the social order, the family and the human person. They should examine critically other cultural facets that might be helpful in starting a dialogue to offer a Christian response to these problems.1 2. Since many human beings are still victims of dehumanizing poverty, injustice and oppression, the brothers should devote themselves, with all people of good will, to restoring the social order, so that it can be based on justice, liberation and peace in the risen Christ.2 After weighing the causes of the injustice in each situation, the brothers should participate in activities that build up charity, justice, and international solidarity.3 3. The brothers should work humbly and courageously that human dignity and the rights of all are respected and cultivated in the bosom of the Church and of the Order.4 3 cf. AG 9; LG 16 Article 94 1 cf. EN 20 Article...