Regarding the Third Order Regular Rule, specifically Chapter IX. The first paragraph in the Chapter speaks about the necessary commandment — love of God — as the source for the apostolic life. The manner of the apostolic life is peacemaking. This means that, in being a presence one is offering a transformative presence to the world. Finally, the goal of the apostolic life is to give praise and glory to God. All of one’s deepest desires and the desires of the human heart converge around this inspiration that is the heart of this Rule. Chapter IX is all about the heart: centered on the heart, written on the heart, flowing from the heart.
Provided by the Commission on the Franciscan Intellectual & Spiritual Tradition (CFIT)