This commentary on the Rule is intended to be simple and able to be understood by everyone.

For each article it will indicate two things: the contents and the attitudes; thus it will indicate schematically first, what the article is considered to contain and then what our attitudes should be in regard to these contents.

Almost always, there will be brief considerations at the end.

In the name of the Lord. The beginning of the rule and life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis

The title of the chapter, with its expression << rule and life>> (which sounds strange to us) is a mediaeval formula indicating that this is a definition of the identity of the << brothers and sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis>>. <<Rule and life>> does not mean a set of rules for our life, but rather an explanation of the values, behavior and principles which should constitute our life, or which will become our life. Thus it is also another way of saying that we are facing a spiritual document which does not put an emphasis on practical norms, but on the attitudes which must affect our behavior.

The form of life of the Brothers and Sisters is this: to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience, in poverty and in chastity. Following Jesus Christ after the example of St. Francis, let them recognize that they are called to make greater efforts in their observance of the precepts and counsels of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Let them deny themselves as each has promised the Lord.

a) We are Franciscans; therefore St. Francis' classic formula is repeated: <<The form of life is this, etc)>>

b) we live the vowed life as true religious.

What will our attitudes be when we consider who and what we are? They are the same attitudes of Francis, which we seek to preserve and maintain, namely:

a) observe the Gospel. Francis was eminently the < man of the Gospel». We are therefore invited to become imbued with the dynamism of these Gospel values and behaviors which St. Francis' life, example and writings propose to us. In all this there is no beginning or ending limit. It is a penetration which can barely pierce the skin or can strike at the depths of one's heart, leading to the true repetition of Francis' attitudes and behavior in all aspects of life.

With all in the holy Catholic and apostolic Church who wish to serve the Lord, the brothers and sisters of this order are to persevere in true faith and penance. They wish to live this evangelical conversion of life in a spirit of prayer, of poverty, and of humility. Therefore, let them abstain from all evil and persevere to the end in doing good because God the Son himself will come again in glory and will say to all who acknowledge, adore and serve him in sincere repentance: O come, blessed of my Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.

This article is the <<charismatic>> declaration of the Third Order Regular; thus it indicates the specific nature of this Order. It is living evangelical conversion (penance-metanoia) as St. Francis taught us; a continuous conversion to God, lived in a spirit of prayer (including the contemplative life), Gospel poverty and humility. Thus the article establishes a relational order among the four elements or fundamental values which permeate this Rule.

In the second part of the article three dynamic aspects of <<living in penance).>> are given; at the same time they are both practices and motivating principles for further activity:

a) knowing the Lord. <<This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent>> (Jn 17:3);

b) adoring the Lord. This is the effect of knowing him and, in its turn, it is the dynamic principle for those who follow it, that is, through

c) serving the Lord. This means living for him, giving him glory, spreading his Kingdom, but also bringing all this about through service, the love of one's brothers and sisters. <<Indeed, whoever does not love the brother or sister he sees, cannot love the God whom he does not see>> (1 Jn 4:20).

It should be noted that the Gospel words mentioned in this article, <<Come, blessed of my Father..>>. are addressed to those who practiced the works of mercy; in fact, the Gospel passage continues: <<For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me>> (Mt 25:35-36). The active works of charity are, together with continuous conversion, the main characteristics of this Order.

a) a living faith;
b) continuous conversion;
c) avoiding evil and, most of all, doing good.

The sisters and brothers promise obedience and reverence to the Pope and the Holy Catholic Church. In this same spirit they are to obey those called to be ministers and servants of their own fraternity. And wherever they are, or in whatever situation they are in, they should diligently and fervently show reverence and honor to one another. They should also foster unity and communion with all the members of the Franciscan family.

The article emphasizes two realities:

a) we belong to the Catholic Church. This is no small matter, and we cannot forget, - following Francis' example - what this involves:

    1) total adherence to Catholic doctrine, expressed in the phrase <<obedience and reverence to the Pope and the Holy Catholic Church»;

    2) therefore, fidelity to the Church.

b) we belong to the extended Franciscan family. This demands:

    1) fidelity to one's own congregation;

    2) a sense of belonging, <<unity and communion>> , with the members of the other Franciscan families.

a) to the Church:

    1) obedience and reverence to the Pope;

    2) obedience and reverence to the other members of the hierarchy, therefore, to one's bishop;

b) concerning the Franciscan family:

    1) obedience and reverence to the superiors of one's own congregation

    2) spirit of union, fraternity and particularly good relations with the other Franciscan families and their members.