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St. Francis of Assisi – an instrument of love
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One of the best known and most loved saints is Francis of Assisi. He is known as the patron saint of the ecology and animals and it is common on his feast day (October 4) for people to get their pets blessed.
But Francis’ humble and complete surrender to loving as Jesus did gives all of us a fine example of what it means to be an instrument of good, a servant of the Divine.
Francis was born into wealth in 1182. His father was a merchant in Assisi, Italy and his son initially lived a life of luxury. He was a bit of a playboy and led the youth in his town in seeking pleasure. But circumstances in life resulted in some illness, imprisonment and emotional pain. He eventually turned his back on his privileged upbringing and instead sought seclusion, prayer and a simple life. He discovered a compassion for the poor and he also felt Jesus call to him to truly live the life preached about in the Gospels.
This was a bold move and it caused Francis some heartache. He was ridiculed as a religious “nut”. But his heart had been set on fire with the love of God. He attracted many followers, not by design but because they saw he was genuine.
Francis respected all of life. He loved people, especially the poor and maligned. You’ve probably heard the account of how he hugged and kissed the leper and in turn his heart was opened to the unconditional love of Jesus.
He would preach to the animals and addressed the sun as brother and the moon as sister.
There is a popular prayer attributed to Francis (Prayer of Saint Francis) that speaks of being an instrument of peace and how it is better to comfort than to be comforted, to understand than be understood and to bring harmony, love, light, truth, joy, hope and faith to those who are stricken with discord, hatred, darkness, error, sadness, despair and doubt. Scholars now believe the prayer was written by someone in France in the early 1900’s (more). But it certainly encapsulates the spirit of Francis.
There has been a great deal written about Saint Francis of Assisi. Hundreds of biographies tell of his life. He only lived to 44 and was ill and in pain the last few years of his life. He received the stigmata (the wounds of Jesus) and when he died he asked to be stripped naked to lie on the ground in imitation and devotion to his beloved Jesus. His Franciscan order is still active and transforming lives for both clergy and lay people.
Living a life of simplicity and being an instrument of love is not easy. No one can do it perfectly. But if we so admire someone like Francis of Assisi could it be that we inwardly recognize the importance and truth of truly embracing and living the teachings of Jesus Christ? I find myself often contemplating what it really means to be a Christian. The life of Francis both inspires and convicts me.
For more info:
See American Catholic web site
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