Today, we celebrate the feast of St Francis of Assisi, (1181-1226) founder of the Franciscan Order, including the Poor Clares and the Lay third Order. Thanks to him, the Catholic Church rediscovered the beauty of evangelical poverty in the 13th Century. Let us remember that it was St François who invented the Christmas creche. It is undoubtedly the fruit of his contemplation of the humility of God revealed in his humanity.
This Wednesday, October 4, opens in Rome the last stage of the «Synod for a Synodal Church», launched on October 10, 2021 by Pope Francis. Starting this great even on the day of Feast of St Francis is certainly significant for the Church and all lovers of nature.
As we embark on our reflection today, let our hearts be drawn to the teachings of the Apostle Paul and the words of our Savior, and let’s see how they connect with the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.
Galatians 6:14-18
“But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.”
Matthew 11:25-30
“At that time Jesus exclaimed, ‘I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
St Francis : an embodiment of the Crucified Saviour:
St. Francis of Assisi, the poor man from Umbria, Italy, epitomized these teachings. His life was a testament to the cross and the transformative power of Christ's love.
In the experience of St Paul who speaks of boasting only in the cross, we see St. Francis who renounced all worldly possessions, identifying with the poor, the lepers, and all of God’s creation. For Francis, the Cross was not a symbol of defeat but of triumphant love and surrender. Like Paul, (Cfr. Galatians 6,17) he bore the marks of the Crucified Jesus, receiving the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on his body. Francis lived in a world crucified to him, finding his only boast, his only glory, in the love of Christ. Like him we too can be imbued with a deep gaze of love for our fellow human being and the nature.
The Childlike Hearts of St Francis and the Mystery of God.
In Matthew, Jesus speaks of the hidden mysteries revealed to the childlike. St. Francis embodied this childlike simplicity and trust. His approach to faith was unburdened by the complexities and debates of his time. Instead, he embraced a direct and profound relationship with the Creator, mirrored in his love for all creatures, be it a wolf or a bird. He teaches us that whoever fixed eyes on the Crucified Saviour, contemplate His immense Love for us, enters into deep communion with Him, will no longer see the creation and human beings are objects to be exploited but rather as expression of Divine Will. Such experience leads into a harmonious living, (that state of being in which Adam and Eve were before their disobedience). We can call this a “mystical experience of Faith”. Like Saint Francis we can learn to find God in all things, revealing the mysteries of divine love in the simplest of gestures. Are we not all called to a mystical experience of God?
The call to unburdened service : Love and Peace
Finally, as Jesus calls out to those who labor and are burdened, promising them rest, we are reminded of the invitation St. Francis extends to us: to cast off the heavy burdens of materialism, pride, and self-interest and to take on the ‘yoke’ of humble service, love, and peace. For in doing so, just as Christ promises, we will find our souls unburdened and free. If every single day, we resolutely accomplish even a single act of charity, gesture of peace, kindness, we will see our lives gradually being transformed into Christ-like.
On this feast of St. Francis of Assisi, may we be inspired by his example. To live a life not of the world, but in the world, reflecting the love and humility of Christ. Let us find joy in simplicity, see God in all creation, and embrace the cross, not as a weight, but as a bridge to eternal love.
Let us Pray:
Gracious Father, in the gentle whispers of the wind and the simple songs of birds, we hear the echo of St. Francis’ love. As he found glory in the cross and saw Your face in all creation, inspire in us that same profound simplicity. Guide us to cast off the burdens of this world, to embrace humility, and to serve with a heart unburdened. Like St. Francis, let us find rest in Your embrace and see the mysteries of Your love in every moment. Through the intercession of St. Francis, draw us closer to You, that we may walk in his footsteps and reflect Your love to all.
We make our prayers through Christ our Lord! May God bless us abundantly, Amen. 🙏🙏🙏
No comments:
Post a Comment