Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
(Galatians 1:13-24; Luke 10:38-42)
The immensity of the heavens and the intricacies of physical
life often challenge belief in God. To
some God seems somehow insignificant besides these physical mysteries. It might
be asked then whether the achievements of science to explore the universe and
to investigate the beginnings of life have put in question the existence of
God.
Not by a longshot comes the answer of a true person of
faith. The problem which hampers people
is “anthropocentricity.” Many think that
humans are at the center of the universe eclipsing in importance all other
reality. God, however, is much greater
than humans can imagine. Sure, God has shown
particular favor to humanity, but by no means does the wonder of creation end
with the human race.
St. Francis of Assisi did not suffer from such myopia. He recognized the grandeur of the universe as
at least symmetrical with the magnificence of the human person. He called the wind, the air, and fire as well
as the sun “brother” to show their prominence.
He likewise addressed water and earth as “sister” and even “mother” to indicate
their wonder. We owe a tremendous debt of
gratitude to God today for Francis, patron of ecology, of charity, and of
Christmas.
