Word to the Wise
Monday, October 4, 2021 - Oct. 4 - St. Francis of Assisi, religious
[Gal 6:14-18 and Matt 11:25-30]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 be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one mae trouble for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. [Galatians]
OCTOBER 4, HOLY FATHER ST. FRANCIS
[Sirach 50:1b, 2-7 or Galatians 6:14-18; Matthew 11:25-30. These scriptures are for the feast of St. Francis, which we Dominicans celebrate as a "feast" and not a simple "memorial."]
Few saints in Catholic devotional life enjoy the popularity of St. Francis of Assisi. There is an old joke in the Vatican that not even God knows how many congregations of Franciscan sisters there are. The movie BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON extended his story even more broadly to the world. The ideals associated with him - rejection of worldly wealth, closeness to nature - are very appealing. Like many charismatic leaders, however, he left very little instruction on how his movement would continue, and arguments over "what would Francis do" led to the splintering of his followers into many different religious orders bearing his name. We Dominicans call the Franciscans our "cousins" and enjoy the legend that Dominic and Francis may have met on one occasion and exchanged belts! In many places, a Dominican is invited to preach at a Franciscan celebration on this day, and vice versa for the feast of St. Dominic.
Francis believed he had received a call from God to "rebuild my church, which has fallen into ruin." He embraced poverty (which Franciscans call "Lady Poverty") as the means to accomplish that goal. Although he is said to have suffered the "stigmata" (the wounds of Christ) on his body, most people (understandably) celebrate his closeness to nature and repeat his "Canticle of the Sun." Our current pope took the name of Francis and is, indeed, doing a lot of rebuilding in the church. His emphasis on pastoral compassion is touching the same hearts that Francis of Assisi did.
If we admire St. Francis, we can go beyond sentiment and take a long look at how our possessions can impede our progress in Christian life. We can also read Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si'" and hear St. Francis urging us to take better care of our "common home." And we can pray for all the Franciscan men and women (friars, nuns, sisters and laity) who strive to live and preach in accord with the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. AMEN