St Francis learnt that fraternity is key to Franciscan living – “the Lord gave me brothers”, Francis said in his Testament.  This is also in the name he gave his Order – friars minor (fratrum minorum).  ‘Friar’ means brother and minor means ‘lesser’.  In order to be brothers to one another, we need to be lesser and more humble, rather than lord over others and dominate them.  

 We are all brothers and sisters in Christ — not just limited to our time, but also one with others through history. As we continue through our spiritual journey, there is confidence that we have our brothers and sisters to lean on, and when they need us too, we can also be a strong pillar of support for them too!

Musing: Who does the Lord send as my brother or sister to accompany me on my spiritual journey?  Or maybe I am sent to be a brother or sister to another?