We often turn St. Francis into a bird-bath decoration. But the real Francis (1181-1226) was intense.
The Striptease
His father was a wealthy cloth merchant. Francis wanted to live like Jesus (who had nowhere to lay His head). When his father sued him for giving away fabric to the poor, Francis stripped off his clothes in the bishop's court and said:
"Until now I have called you father on earth; from now on I say only 'Our Father who art in heaven'."
"Rebuild My Church"
God spoke to him from a crucifix: "Francis, go and rebuild my church, which is falling into ruins." Francis thought he meant the crumbling chapel of San Damiano. He fixed it. But God meant the Universal Church, which was corrupt with wealth. Francis rebuilt it by living the Gospel without compromise.
The Wolf of Gubbio
Legend says he tamed a man-eating wolf by talking to it: "Brother Wolf, you do much harm... I promise that the people will feed you if you stop." It is a lesson in peacemaking.
Make me an instrument of your peace. Read the full Peace Prayer on the MyPrayerTower app.
A Prayer for Grace
As you reflect on these spiritual truths, we invite you to join us in this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, we thank You for the wisdom of the Church and the witness of the saints. Grant us the grace to live out our faith with joy and perseverance. May our prayers be a sweet incense rising to Your throne, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen."
Deepen Your Spiritual Journey
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May God bless you and keep you always in His grace.