Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
(Nehemiah 2:1-8; Lucas 9:57-62)
Every Christian is called to be a “second Christ.” Perhaps no
one has fit that character description more than St. Francis of Assisi. As Christ left heaven to sojourn with humans,
Francis gave up a life of comfort in his father’s house. As Christ preached reconciliation and love
throughout Israel, Francis preached Christ in Europe and into Asia. As Christ had “nowhere to lay his head,” Francis
embraced evangelical poverty with joy.
Like Christ as well, Francis’ openness to God was not always
appreciated. Some of his Franciscan
brothers tried to mitigate his insistence on poverty. But he did not compromise. He knew that riches like power tend to corrupt
the soul. He also recognized that shared
poverty buoyed by a hearty trust in God was itself a way to preach the gospel.
Francis is so lovable because he was so loving. As we sometimes feel misunderstood and rejected,
we should remember Francis and make every effort to love others. With diving grace
to assist us, we will soon rise from feeling in the dumps.
