Immaculata Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, follows the rule of Saint Francis of Assisi for Lay people. We live in the world as most people do, but have commited ourselves to follow Jesus Christ as our seraphic Father Francis has shown. Francis referred to this life as, Gospel to Life and Life to Gospel.
A Canonically established Order of the Catholic Church.
What is meant by Gospel to Life and Life to Gospel?
Here's what the book, COME AND SEE, by Fr. Lester Bach, O.F.M.Cap. and Teresa V. Baker, S.F.O. states: Franciscans grow accustomed to going to the Bible. We listen without coloring the meaning by expecting answers to OUR problems. The Bible is not an answer book but a conversation between God and us. Controlling the dialogue with our own agenda and looking for prooftexts tends to fuzzy the communication. Know that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. The better we listen, the more freely the Holy Spirit is able to teach us. The fewer obstacles we have, the better we will hear God's Word and Understand it. It may take persistent time and prayer reading and reflecting, sharing and hearing to capture the meaning of a given text. This open, unhindered listening to God's Word is one way we surrender to God.
Going from gospel to life and life to gospel (SFO Rule, Article 4) invites us to the dialogue. Franciscans choose to surrender to the Word rather than manipulate it. God's Word is, indeed, "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow, it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12 - NRSV). We may not always get the point immediately. It may take time. But God invites us to surrender to the Word as fully as we can.
Because we are human, we may go to Scripture to seek answers or consolation or support. But be free to surrender to the Word of God without letting desires hinder your listening. Then God can teach us through his Scripture word.
(Rule 2. The Secular Franciscan Order holds a special place in this family circle. It is an organic union of all Catholic fraternities scattered throughout the world and open to every group of the faithful. In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state. By their profession they pledge themselves to live the gospel in the manner of Saint Francis by means of this rule approved by the Church.)
(Rule 4. The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.
Christ, the gift of the Father's love, is the way to him, the truth into which the Holy Spirit leads us, and the life which he has come to give abundantly.
Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to gospel. )