St. Francis of Assisi, Some Reflections

Saint Francis of Assisi lived from 1181 until 1226. He was born in Italy and founded the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscan Order) for men, Poor Clares for women, and the Third Order of St. Francis for men and women not able to live the lives of itinerant preachers. These orders exist to this day and Lay Persons, married or single may be members of the Third Order. Francis was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant and grew up as a lover of music and pleasure and fine things.  His father was not thrilled by Francis’ spiritual conversation which happened while Francis was off at war in 1201 through 1203, during which time he spent a year as a prisoner of war. After his conversation he became disillusioned toward the world that surrounded him.

His disillusionment is demonstrated by the story told of a beggar who came and asked for alms while Francis was concluding a business deal on behalf of his father. When he concluded the deal he ran after the beggar and gave him everything he had in his pocket. His father was less than happy with this event. His father attempted to change his mind with threats and beatings. Francis finally renounced his father, publicly laying aside even the garments he was wearing.

Francis claims to have had a mystical vision of Jesus Christ in the country chapel of San Damiano, just outside of Assisi, in which the Icon of Christ Crucified said to him, “Francis, Francis, go and repair My house, which, as you can see is falling into ruins. “ He took this to mean the ruined church in which he was praying, and so he sold some cloth from his father’s store to assist the priest there for this purpose. Later, Francis decided that Christ also meant for him to repair “the church, the body of Christ in the World.”

It has been argued that no one else in History was as dedicated as Francis to imitate the life, and carry out the work of Christ. Francis had a love of the Eucharist and the Stations of the Cross, even though the latter brought him great sorrow. He and his followers celebrated and even venerated poverty, and he believed that nature itself was the mirror of God. In his “Canticle of the Sun” he mentioned Brother Sun, Sister Moon, the wind, water, and Sister Death. He considered himself no friend of Christ if he did not cherish those for whom Christ died.

Because of his love of Creation, he is known as the Patron Saint of animals and the environment. It is for this reason that many Roman Catholic and Episcopal Churches hold ceremonies blessing animals on the Sunday closest to his feast day of October 4. 

As we approach his feast day on Sunday, I leave you with one of Francis’ most profound writings, Canticle of the Sun

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord!
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.

To You, alone, Most High, do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all Your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and You give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in the heavens You have made them bright, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
and clouds and storms, and all the weather,
through which You give Your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Water;
she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth,
who feeds us and rules us,
and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of You;
through those who endure sickness and trial.

Happy those who endure in peace,
for by You, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Bodily Death,
from whose embrace no living person can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy those she finds doing Your most holy will.
The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks,
and serve Him with great humility.