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| Cimabue's Francis of Assisi |
I've been reflecting these last few weeks on the spirituality of holy men and women whose lives and writings can lift us out of our routine into a deeper life with God. I conclude this little series with Francis of Assisi, whose life has fascinated people everywhere.
What does the 13th century Francis have to say to us in the 21st century? This patron saint of animals and of the environment went off to the wars in central Italy, and failed miserably. Then one night he had a dream which compelled him to wrestle with the fundamental questions of life: What am I living for? What is the ultimate purpose of my life?
In silence and in prayer, Francis began his own search for God. Eventually he gave up everything he had; and in that experience he found everything–God–an all good God who became flesh in Jesus, and is alive by the power of the Spirit.
Francis began to pursue the Gospel way of life literally. He selected Gospel passages as a focus. In time, men and women began to gather and form what we know as the world-wide Franciscan movement. Clare, a holy woman of Assisi, became a confidant of Francis, and she and her companions consecrated themselves to God as “poor ladies” or Poor Clares, in prayer and service while living a cloistered life.
Let’s summarize Francis’ message in three of his experiences.
First: in 1206, as Francis prayed before the crucifix in the tumbledown chapel of San Damiano, he heard Jesus on the crucifix whisper: “Francis, rebuild my house which you see is falling into ruins.” Francis began to renovate the building, and eventually renewed the Church in the high middle ages. Francis challenges us to build up the relationships in our lives.
Another early incident: Francis saw a man with leprosy, and started to ride away on his horse. But no! He slowly dismounted and embraced the leper. Francis saw the image of God in the brokenness of human beings. He challenges us to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
A later impressive incident took place in 1224. Francis was praying and suddenly he experienced the marks of the crucified Jesus in his hands, feet and side. This captures the depth of his prayer life: such a close friendship that God gifted him with the stigmata. Francis challenges us to intensify our life with God.
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May this prayer by St. Francis of Assisi, which he prayed before the crucifix, be ours as well:
“Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me
true faith, certain hope, and perfect love,
...... Lord,
that I may carry out Your holy....will. Amen.”
You may find more information about St. Francis in links at my weblog.
