RBWords

     There is an old witty Roman saying: "Not even God knows how many orders of Franciscan nuns there are."  If there has ever been a more successful prophet than St. Francis of Assisi, I don't know who that may be.  The number of people whom he has inspired is legion.  They comprise not only the four major branches of friars (OFM, OFM Cap., OFM Conv., TOR) but also the cloistered Poor Clare nuns, and hundreds of Franciscan congregations of sisters as well as the lay branch of Secular Franciscans.  That influence has extended to our current pope, a Jesuit, who took the name "Francis" upon his election.

     St. Francis was a prophet who preached from example.  His witness to the rejection of material wealth and its challenges continues to inspire millions of people around the world.  He is quoted as saying, "Preach often.  If necessary, use words."  (Of course, for us Dominicans, it might be said, "Preach often.  It is necessary for us to use words!)  As with any great charismatic leader, his legacy was diversely interpreted among his successors, which explains why there are four major branches of Franciscan friars as well as some smaller groups like the Franciscan friars of the Renewal.  And there is a lot of romanticism around his charism which can have the effect of dulling the challenge to reject material wealth and embrace simple or even radical poverty.  The motion picture, BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON contributed to that in our own time.

     Those who have "listened" to the example of St. Francis can be sure that they have listened to a prophet.  Those who adopt his way of preaching can be certain that they, too, are prophets.  AMEN