Sep 28, 2011
If you know me, you know that inside me lives a little Friar. With every decision that I make, I not only want to honor the Lord, but also, would like to fulfill it in the style and charism of St. Francis of Assisi. I first fell in love with Francis back in elementary school, studied him endlessly in college, followed his footsteps through Assisi on numerous occasions, and as a husband and father, have created a life mission with my wife to mimic his simple servant leadership and mission.
I love Francis. He’s my friend, my mentor, and my intercessor. Through prayer and the retelling of his life stories, I have learned so much and hopefully he’s not done teaching me. I’d like to share just a couple of lessons and as a way of keeping it concise, I’ll list out the top three.
1. Simple living is integral to Christian Evangelization
As the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, Francis turned down much to follow Jesus. The witness of a man that could be wearing the finest clothes and eating the finest foods, begging on behalf of the poor brothers, said more than any sermon he preached. Today,in a culture of consumerism where money is king, we as evangelists, can choose to witness with a simple holy life , just as Francis, and let our walking be our preaching, or try and create transformation using only our words. I choose the former.
2. Submission to authority is necessary for the evangelist.
At the formation of the Order, Francis went to Rome to ask for approval from the Pope. He knew what God had asked of him, but he understood that without the blessing of the successor to the Apostles, his work could only go so far. After first rejecting Francis’ request because of it’s harshness, Pope Innocent received in a dream, that Francis of Assisi would save the Church from ruin. Needless to say, the Pope endorsed Francis and his rule. Just like Francis, I too must come under the Spiritual authority of the Church. It is not enough to have a good idea, or a “calling”. If it doesn’t fit in the overall plan and structure of the local Church authority, I must be okay with the fact that God is bigger, and that if it’s meant to be, it will be endorsed by the authority.
3. Honoring creation is honoring God.
Francis lived and breathed the passion of Christ’s love. He saw all creatures as part of God’s divine revelation. He also lived a life of poverty to be in solidarity with the marginalized members of the human family: the outcast, the lepers. He knew that our lives are interdependent with creation and with our neighbor, and that when we honor all of creation we honor God. In a world where technology enables me to know my neighbors in foreign lands more intimately, it is no longer an option for me to turn a blind eye on those in need. In a world where science has taught me how to better care for the creation God has made, it is no longer permissible for me to mask my laziness with partisan politics or ignorance. Our God created this world and so I will care for it.
There is so much more about Francis’ life that has influence on me daily (devotion to Mary, preaching, keeping distance from the world, my beard, just to name a few.) Most people just know him as a birdbath, but I’d encourage you to get to know the real Francis; Francis the radical. There are tons of resources at your disposal.
Celebrating St. Francis’ feast day is a great way to show your friends and neighbors that you, like Francis, subscribe to this form of prayer and mission. So, I invite you to celebrate him with me this Oct. 4th and adopt some or all of his charisms. Here are just a couple of suggestions.
- Pray the Rosary daily
- Have a yard sale and sell off all of the excess in your house. Give the money to the poor.
- Adopt or rescue an animal.
- Visit the sick or imprisoned weekly.
- Go to daily Mass.
- Build community in your neighborhood.
- Start recycling.
- Volunteer to do some maintenance at your Church.
- Grow a beard
Do you have any other suggestions? Leave it in the comment section below.
peace and good!
ennie
Loved this. I also have a great love and devotion to St. Francis. In fact I was probably the only Jewish girl in my neighborhood that did, or even heard of him. (Am Catholic 11 yrs. now). When I was younger (now mom of 1 teenager and 2 adult kids, to put me in a proper age perspective), my dad was sent to St. Francis Heart Hospital on Long Island. I was so overcome with the presence of St. Francis there, and yes they did have birdbaths, but this was something so much deeper, and not understood at the time. I remember my response “I don’t know who you are, but I think I like you”. As time traveled forward I never forgot this. I believe it was partially his intercession that finally led me to “completion” (Jewish Catholic). And just one more thing—if I adopt another animal I will become an unmarried Jewish Catholic. Many adoptees already of all kinds.
Thank you so much for your comment Bonnie! Did you know that there is actually some evidence out there that Francis was a Jewish Catholic as well??? I am a total Francis geek I know. Thomas of Celano, his best biographer, points out to his most famous blessing was an adaptation of a Jewish blessing. Also, for a Catholic to be a merchant, which Pietro his father was, at that time was unheard of. It was the Jewish settlers that ran the businesses. And lastly his mother’s nickname was Pica which was evidence that she had dark dark hair, and probably more middle eastern than anglo. Anyway, I thought you would find that interesting.
Blessings!