The Earlier Rule (Regula non bullata, 1221)
With Franciscan Clarean Commentary
Chapter I. In the Name of the Lord Begins the Life of the Friars Minor
This is the life of the Friars Minor, namely, to observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience, without property, and in chastity. Brother Francis promises obedience and reverence to our Lord Pope Honorius and his canonically elected successors and to the Roman Church. And the other brothers shall be bound to obey Brother Francis and his successors.
Clarean Commentary:
Here is the seed of the movement: not theology books, not political manifestos, but simply the Gospel. Francis doesn’t invent a new system — he points back to Jesus. For the Clarean today, this means stripping away the cultural baggage of Christianity and returning to the dangerous, liberating simplicity of Christ. Notice also: obedience here is framed in community — obedience to the Gospel, to one another, not to domination.
Chapter II. Those Who Wish to Adopt This Life and How They Must Be Received
If any wish to embrace this life and come to our brothers, let them send them to their ministers provincial, to whom alone and not to others is the power of receiving brothers conceded. Let the ministers examine them diligently regarding the Catholic faith and the sacraments of the Church. And if they believe all these things and wish faithfully to confess them and observe them steadfastly unto the end, and they have no wives, or, if they have, their wives have already entered a monastery or given them permission with the authority of the Bishop of the diocese, and they themselves have already made a vow of continence; and the wives be of such age that no suspicion may arise concerning them, let them say unto these the words of the Holy Gospel, that they should go and sell all their goods and strive to distribute them to the poor.
Clarean Commentary:
This section reveals the medieval world’s limits — women, marriage, bishops — but beneath the cultural clothing is a burning principle: this life is not half-measures. Francis calls for a freedom that comes from loosening our grip on wealth and possessions. For Clareans today, we don’t all literally sell everything, but we do reject consumerist addiction, practicing radical generosity, and refusing to let money master us.
Chapter III. The Divine Office, Fasting, and How the Brothers Must Go Through the World
Let the clerics perform the Divine Office according to the order of the holy Roman Church, with the exception of the psalter; wherefore they may have breviaries. But the lay brothers shall say twenty-four Paternosters for Matins; five for Lauds; for Prime, Tierce, Sext, and Nones, for each of these seven; for Vespers, twelve; for Compline, seven. And they shall fast from the feast of All Saints until the Nativity of the Lord. And let them fast the holy Lent of forty days, which begins at Epiphany and which the Lord sanctified with His fast, as it is related in the Gospel; but they shall not be bound to fast at that time by reason of infirmity or of necessity. And they shall fast another Lent, from the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul until the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin; but those who shall not wish to do so shall not be bound. But they shall fast on every Friday. They may eat of all foods which are set before them, according to the Gospel.
Clarean Commentary:
Here we glimpse the rhythm of prayer and fasting that shaped Francis’s community. For us, the exact prayer counts and fasts may not be binding, but the heart of it remains: order your days around God, not around your belly or your calendar app. Clareans today can adapt this: fixed hours of prayer, mindful eating, intentional seasons of fasting — not legalism, but re-centering. It’s about living aware of God’s presence in time itself.
Chapter IV. The Ministers and the Other Brothers
Let the brothers not make anything their own, neither house, nor place, nor anything; but as pilgrims and strangers in this world, serving the Lord in poverty and humility, let them go seeking alms with confidence. And they should not be ashamed, because the Lord made Himself poor for us in this world. This is that highest poverty which has made you heirs and kings of the kingdom of heaven, making you poor in goods, but exalted in virtues. Let this be your portion, which leads you into the land of the living. Cleaving wholly to this, most beloved brothers, for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, never wish to have anything else under heaven.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis lays down the radical cornerstone: own nothing. Poverty here is not misery — it is freedom. To be without possessions is to be without chains. Clareans today hear this as a rebuke to consumerism, but also as a call to creative simplicity: owning less, sharing more, resisting the lie that our worth is measured in stuff. True freedom is found when we can travel light — physically, spiritually, and even emotionally.
Chapter V. The Correction of the Brothers Who Sin
If any of the brothers, at the instigation of the enemy, shall sin mortally in regard to those vices concerning which it has been ordained among the brothers to have recourse only to the provincial ministers, let them as quickly as possible have recourse to them, without delay. And let the ministers themselves, if they are priests, impose upon them penance with mercy; and if they are not priests, let them cause it to be imposed by other priests of the Order, as it shall seem to them to be most expedient, according to God. And they must beware lest they be angry and troubled on account of another’s sin, because anger and trouble impede charity in themselves and in others.
Clarean Commentary:
Here’s Francis as pastor, not just prophet. He knows brothers will fail. The key is not denial but quick repentance, and above all, mercy. Even discipline is to be given without anger, because anger poisons love. For Clareans today, this is a model for trauma-informed pastoral care: correction, yes, but always restorative, never shaming. We are healers, not executioners.
Chapter VI. The Recourse of the Brothers to Their Ministers
If the brothers shall see or know that any of them is not walking according to the rule, let them have recourse only to their custodes. And let the custodes take care of him kindly and attentively, as they themselves would wish to be done unto them if they were in a similar situation. But let them not be angry on account of his sin; for anger and trouble impede charity in themselves and in others.
Clarean Commentary:
Again, Francis repeats himself — because he knows the danger of self-righteousness. Correction must be done kindly and attentively. The measure is simple: treat the sinner the way you’d want to be treated. Clareans today recognize this as nothing less than the Gospel’s Golden Rule applied to community life. Accountability without cruelty; discipline without domination.
Chapter VII. The Penances to Be Imposed on the Brothers Who Sin
If any of the brothers, through the instigation of the enemy, shall sin venially, let them be bound to confess it to their brothers, and let the brothers themselves impose penance on him with mercy, as it seems expedient to them according to God. But if he is unwilling to confess, let the minister and custode, who know his sin, impose penance upon him, provided it does not appear to others.
Clarean Commentary:
Here Francis insists that sin is not a spectacle. Confession is personal, communal, and private — never a tool for shaming. This is prophetic for us today: in a culture addicted to public call-outs and canceling, Francis models a restorative path. Clareans should be people who know how to name brokenness without destroying the broken. Mercy is always the medicine.
Chapter VIII. The Election of the Minister General
Let all the ministers and custodes be bound to assemble at the feast of Pentecost, in the Church of St. Mary of the Portiuncula, once every three years, or at other times if it shall seem expedient to the minister and custodes. And let them in common elect their minister general, with the counsel of the clerics of the same Order. And let him be bound to observe this same rule inviolate. And let him by his example more than by his word show himself to be a brother and servant of all the other brothers.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis places leadership in the hands of the whole body. Ministers elect their general; no one rules by divine right. And the general leads by example, not command. This is radical democracy for the 13th century. For Clareans today, it’s a reminder that leadership is service first, power last. To lead is to wash feet.
Chapter IX. Preachers
Let the brothers not preach in the diocese of any bishop when he has opposed them. And let no brother whatsoever dare to preach to the people unless he has been examined and approved by the minister general of this fraternity, and has received from him the office of preaching. Let the ministers, moreover, be careful not to grant the office of preaching indiscriminately. And let all the brothers preach by their deeds.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis is clear: preaching is not for ego. It must be done with accountability, humility, and discernment. But he also slips in the greatest sermon: your life itself. Preach always by your deeds. Clareans today embrace this as core identity — our witness is not only in pulpits or blogs but in street chaplaincy, in how we treat the poor, in how we live gently on Earth. Our actions are our loudest sermons.
Chapter X. The Admonition and Correction of the Brothers
Let the brothers who are ministers and servants of the other brothers visit and admonish their brothers, and let them correct them humbly and charitably, not commanding them imperiously, but whatever they shall say let it be received kindly, as if it were from their own mouths. And let the brothers who are subject remember that for God’s sake they have renounced their own wills. Therefore I strictly enjoin upon them that they obey their ministers in all those things which they have promised the Lord to observe and which are not contrary to their souls and to this Rule. And let them where they are not able to obey, on account of a command being contrary to their soul, not follow the will of their ministers, but let them not on that account judge them.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis balances obedience with conscience. Ministers must correct with humility, not domination. Brothers must obey — but never if it violates conscience or God’s Spirit. This is radical in any age: authority exists, but never absolute. For Clareans today, this is a blueprint for healthy spiritual community: accountability rooted in mutual respect, with conscience as the final safeguard.
Chapter XI. The Brothers May Not Enter the Monasteries of Nuns
I strictly command all the brothers not to have suspicious relations or conversations with women. And let them not enter the monasteries of nuns except those to whom special permission has been conceded by the Apostolic See. And let them not be the godfathers of men or women, that from this cause scandal may not arise among the brothers or concerning them.
Clarean Commentary:
Here we see medieval caution around gender and scandal. Francis was protecting his brothers from accusation — but we also know he had a profound friendship with St. Clare. For Clareans today, the spirit of this passage is about boundaries and integrity in ministry. We adapt it not as fear of women, but as a call to be wise, transparent, and above reproach in relationships, especially across lines where power can be abused.
Chapter XII. Those Who Go Among the Saracens and Other Infidels
Let those brothers who wish, by divine inspiration, to go among the Saracens and other infidels, ask leave from their minister provincial. And the ministers shall give permission to go to none except to those whom they see are fit to be sent. To the other brothers, however, I enjoin, that they shall not dispute or strive with words, but be subject to every human creature for God’s sake and confess themselves to be Christians. And when they see it pleases the Lord, let them announce the word of God, that they may believe in Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Creator of all, and in the Son, the Redeemer and Savior, and that they should be baptized and be made Christians, because unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis himself walked unarmed into the camp of the Sultan during the Crusades. He told his brothers not to argue or dominate, but to go humbly, live peaceably, and when the Spirit opens a door, speak of Christ. This is revolutionary compared to the holy wars of his time. For Clareans today, this becomes interfaith mission: not coercion, not debate, but witness through humble service and peaceable presence. Mission is relationship, not conquest.
Chapter XIII. The Secular Clerics Who Wish to Adopt This Life
If any secular clerics wish to adopt this life and come to the brothers, it shall be pleasing to them. But if they wish to remain in their clerical duties, they may hold one tunic without a hood and another with a hood, as seems expedient to them, and a cord and breeches, and they may wear shoes. And let all the brothers strive to follow humility and poverty and the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which they firmly promised.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis is flexible here: clerics can join in the spirit of the movement without losing their role. The key is humility and poverty. This shows us something vital: the Franciscan path is not about uniformity, but about unity in spirit. Clareans today can draw from this: we welcome people in many roles and walks of life — clergy, laity, religious, seekers — so long as they are willing to live simply, humbly, and in Gospel love.
Chapter XIV. How the Brothers Should Go Through the World
When the brothers go through the world, let them take nothing for the journey, neither bag, nor purse, nor bread, nor money, nor staff. And whatever house they enter, let them first say: “Peace to this house.” And remaining in the same house, let them eat and drink what is set before them. Let them not resist evil, but if anyone strikes them on the cheek, let them turn to him the other also. And let them not judge others. And according to the Holy Gospel, let them not despise men, but rather be humble.
Clarean Commentary:
This is pure Gospel living. Francis echoes Matthew 10 and Luke 10: travel light, preach peace, live nonviolence. For Clareans today, this speaks to how we do street ministry: not as conquerors, but as servants. We carry peace as our credential. We refuse the weapons of the world, and we trust God to provide what we need along the way. The Rule insists: your life must preach peace louder than your words.
Chapter XV. Of Those Who Go Among the Saracens (Shorter Form)
Those brothers who by divine inspiration desire to go among the Saracens and other infidels, let them ask permission from their ministers. And the ministers shall give permission to none except to those whom they see fit to be sent. To the other brothers, however, I enjoin that when they go through the world, they do not quarrel or contend with words, but let them be subject to every human creature for God’s sake, and confess themselves to be Christians.
Clarean Commentary:
This repeats Chapter XII, but shorter — which shows how much Francis meant it. His world was at war with Islam, yet he sends brothers in peace, not violence. The instruction “be subject to every human creature” is radical humility — it flips empire on its head. Clareans today take this as a call to interfaith friendship, to solidarity with the marginalized, and to live our Christian identity without arrogance.
Chapter XVI. That the Brothers Shall Not Ride
I strictly enjoin upon all the brothers that they shall not ride on horseback, unless they are compelled by manifest necessity or infirmity.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis wanted his brothers to travel as the poor traveled: on foot. To ride was to claim privilege, to move too quickly past the people, to separate yourself from the lowly. For Clareans today, this challenges us in modern ways: how do we travel through the world? Do we speed past suffering in our cars and planes, or do we walk at a human pace, close enough to touch and be touched? Simplicity in movement keeps us in solidarity.
Chapter XVII. Of the Poor Sick Brothers
If any of the brothers fall sick, wherever he may be, let the other brothers not leave him, unless one of the brothers, or more if it is necessary, be appointed to serve him as they would wish to be served themselves. But in case of urgent necessity, the brothers may commit him to some person who will take care of him.
Clarean Commentary:
This is one of the most tender passages in the Rule. Francis doesn’t want the sick abandoned. Brotherhood means staying with one another in weakness. Clareans today see this as central: we are not only chaplains to the poor, but chaplains to each other. Mutual care — tending wounds, sharing burdens, sticking by the sick — this is the Gospel in flesh. To leave no one behind is a revolutionary act of love.
Chapter XVIII. That the Brothers Should Not Accept Money
I strictly command all the brothers that they receive in no wise coins or money, either directly or through an interposed person. Nevertheless, for the needs of the sick brothers and for clothing the other brothers, let the ministers alone take care through spiritual friends, according to places, seasons, and cold climates, as necessity shall require, saving always that they shall not receive coins or money.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis hated money because he knew it corrupts hearts. Yet he makes a practical concession: “spiritual friends” may help provide for sick brothers. For Clareans today, this challenges us to handle money with suspicion and care. We may use it in our time, but we must never let it use us. Simplicity, transparency, and generosity are our safeguards. If money becomes master, the Gospel is chained.
Chapter XIX. That the Brothers Should Not Despise or Judge One Another
Let all the brothers take care not to calumniate or contend with words, nor to judge others; but rather let them strive to maintain silence, as far as God gives grace, in order not to sin by the tongue, nor to quarrel with one another; but let them strive to answer humbly, saying: “We are unprofitable servants.”
Clarean Commentary:
Francis knew the greatest danger to community was not hunger or persecution, but sharp tongues. Gossip, slander, judgment — these fracture love. Clareans today must hear this: resist the urge to tear down. Our speech should heal, not wound. Humility is not weakness but the soil in which peace grows.
Chapter XX. Of the Confession of the Brothers and of the Reception of the Body and Blood of the Lord
Let the brothers confess their sins to priests of our religion. If they cannot, let them confess to other discreet and Catholic priests, knowing firmly and believing that they are absolved by such priests. And let them receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ with great humility and veneration, remembering what the Lord Himself says: “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath everlasting life,” and “Do this for a commemoration of me.”
Clarean Commentary:
Here Francis ties his community to the wider Church through confession and Eucharist. But notice the tenderness: if their own priests aren’t available, they are free to go elsewhere. The focus is on God’s mercy, not clerical control. For Clareans today, the lesson is clear: the sacraments are gifts, not gate-kept privileges. We approach them with reverence, but also with confidence that God’s grace is wider than human borders.
Chapter XXI. Of the Praise and Exhortation Which All the Brothers May Make
Let all my brothers, when they go through the world, in word and deed exhort men and women to do penance for their sins and to remember the commandments of God, and let them announce to them peace and penance for the remission of sins. And let them not be slow to admonish and strengthen one another with humble and charitable exhortations. And let all the brothers take care not to appear outwardly as sad and gloomy hypocrites, but let them show themselves joyful in the Lord, and merry, becomingly gracious.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis wants his brothers to be joyful missionaries. Not dour preachers of doom, but heralds of peace and gladness. Joy is itself evangelism. For Clareans today, this is vital: the world doesn’t need more angry religion; it needs communities of holy joy, contagious peace, and hopeful courage. The Gospel should feel like fresh air, not a crushing burden.
Chapter XXII. Of the Admonition of the Brothers
Let all the brothers strive to follow the humility and poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ, and let them remember that we ought to have nothing else in this world, save as the Apostle says: “Having food and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content.” And they ought to rejoice when they live among vile and despised persons, among the poor and weak, and the sick and lepers, and the beggars by the wayside. And when it may be necessary, let them go for alms. And let them not be ashamed thereof, but rather recall that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living and omnipotent God, set His face like a very hard rock, and was not ashamed, and was poor, and a stranger, and lived on alms, He and the Blessed Virgin and His disciples. And when men may treat them with contempt and despise them, and set them aside as vile—not wanting to receive alms from them—let them greatly rejoice, because from such shame they shall receive great honor before the tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ. And let them know that the injuries shall not be imputed unto those who suffer them, but unto those who offer them. And let all the brothers take care that they be not seen outwardly sad and gloomy, like hypocrites, but show themselves joyful in the Lord, cheerful and becomingly gracious.
Clarean Commentary:
This is Francis’s beating heart: joy in poverty, joy in rejection, joy among lepers and outcasts. He flips shame into glory. For Clareans today, this is our manifesto: our place is with the despised and forgotten, not at the tables of power. When the world mocks us for serving among the poor, we count it as blessing. Holy joy is resistance.
Chapter XXIII. Of the Praises of God and the Exhortation to All
Let all the brothers, wherever they are, at every hour and every time of day, believe truly and humbly, and let us hold in our heart and love, honor, adore, serve, praise, bless, glorify, exalt, magnify, and give thanks to the Most High and Supreme Eternal God, Trinity and Unity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, Creator of all, Savior of all who believe in Him and hope in Him, and love Him, without beginning and without end, unchangeable, invisible, ineffable, incomprehensible, blessed, worthy of praise, glorious, exalted, sublime, most high, sweet, lovable, amiable, delightful, and always wholly desirable above all forever and ever. Amen.
Clarean Commentary:
Francis ends in pure worship. After all the rules, admonitions, and corrections, the final word is praise. The Earlier Rule is not about structure alone; it is a hymn of love to God. For Clareans today, this is the anchor: all our activism, all our service, all our poverty and joy, flow from this fountain of adoration. Without praise, the Rule is dry law. With praise, it becomes a song of life.
Sister Abigail Hester 