Francis Four Loves

Learning how to love like St. Francis of Assisi

10/04/2021

Mt 11:25-30 At that time Jesus answered: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Sonand anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

There is probably no saint more popular than St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day we celebrate today October 4. As soon as my parents moved into their new home in Springdale, they placed a statue of St. Francis in front of their home. St. Francis is cherished by Catholics and Protestants alike, and loved by all Christians. Children gravitate to his goodness because they naturally share his love of nature. Little boys and girls easily could call creation, “Brother Sun,” and “Sister Moon.” Most people know the basic bio of this Italian saint: he was born in 1182 and died on October 3, 1226. He lived in Assisi and founded a religious order called the Order of Friars Minor, or “Franciscans.” But let me share four things about Francis with which you may not be so familiar. Four things that Francis loved.

First, did you know Francis had a girlfriend and a wife? One day as a young man, a friend asked Francis if he was thinking of marrying, and he replied: “Yes, a fairer bride than any you have ever seen.” He meant, of course, Lady Poverty, that is, the virtue of strict simplicity. Even though Francis grew up in a wealthy family, he abandoned his wealth to marry Lady Poverty. One day Francis’ father, deeply disappointed in his son, took him before the bishop of Assisi and demanded that Francis return the money he had given away to the poor. According to tradition, Francis removed all his clothes to give back to his father and stood before everyone naked like Christ on the Cross. The bishop was so moved he put his own robes on Francis. Francis loved Lady Poverty.

Second, did you know Francis is the one who made the first Nativity scene? In 1223 Francis asked Pope Honorius for permission to do something “for the kindling of devotion” to the birth of Christ. So, he built a manger, placed hay inside as a bed for Baby Jesus, and put an ox and a donkey on either side to watch over the newborn King. That was the first Nativity scene. Seventy years later, in 1291, Pope Nicholas IV, a Franciscan pope (good to have a Franciscan in high places), ordered that a permanent Nativity be built at Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major). By the way, inside St. Mary Major is the actual “crib of Christ” from Bethlehem, under the high altar of the church. I saw it with my own eyes. So, give Francis credit for the Nativity.

Third, did you know that Franciscans are the protectors of the Holy Land? In 1217 Francis made the Holy Land part of the responsibility of his order by erecting the “Custody of the Holy Land,” or the “Province of the Holy Land.” If you visit the Holy Land today and go to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, who will greet you and explain its history and holiness? It will be a humble Franciscan friar who was sent there by St. Francis. So, if you ever make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, say a prayer of Thanksgiving to St. Francis who sent his brothers to watch over it and to welcome you.

And fourth, did you know St. Francis originally wrote the well-known hymn called “All Creatures of our God and King”? In 1225 Francis wrote a poem first entitled Canticle of the Sun,” or “Song of all Creatures.” It was based on Ps. 148, which sadly was not our Responsorial Psalm today. St. Francis is also said to have preached little sermons to animals and plants and birds and rabbits, and inspired them to praise their Creator, a little like how my homilies hope to get you to praise your Creator. But Francis’ sermons were more successful because the birds never fell asleep. Maybe Francis’ example is why people talk to their plants today?

Last Saturday Fr. Daniel blessed everyone’s pets in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. That gesture was a great reminder of this holy and humble friar named Francis. But he did more than love animals. He loved Lady Poverty, he loved the Nativity, he loved the Holy Land, and he loved “All Creatures of our God and King.”

Praised be Jesus Christ!