Word to the Wise
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - Oct. 4 - St. Francis of Assisi, religious
[Gal 6:14-18 and Matt 11:25-30,722]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 light. [Matthew]
OCTOBER 4 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
[Sirach 50:1b, 2-7 or Galatians 6:14-18 and Matthew 11:25-30. These scriptures are proper to the feast, which we Dominicans celebrate. For Wednesday in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, check the search feature at my website <www.rbwords.com>.]
St. Francis of Assisi is easily one of the most recognizable figures in the hall of saints and in many ways noted outside the Catholic world. His personality and charism of "Lady Poverty" attracted followers from the beginning in the early 13th century and continues today in the many branches of the Franciscan family. He personified the virtues of humility and simplicity which so many wish to imitate and find so difficult in our own day and age of individualism and complexity. This challenge can get lost in the romanticism that surrounds St. Francis, pictured as he is with birds and animals surrounding him in admiring postures!!!
Perhaps the quotation from the Gospel According to Matthew, which is proper to this feast, accounts for some of the romanticism because so many long for an easier burden in life. I would have thought that Matthew 6:25-34 with Jesus' admonition about worries would suit it more: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? St. Francis is a hero to folks in the cause of environmental reform on a broad scale (Brother Sun, Sister Moon!) but his challenge becomes more difficult if one looks at one's own personal environment for change!!! In celebrating his feast day today, in addition to all the many popular features of his personality and charism, we might take a good look at our own lifestyles and ask how we might emulate him. AMEN