“Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting."
~ 1 Corinthians 13:7
He woke in a cold sweat, the
remnants of the familiar dream fresh in his mind. Instinctively, the young man searched his
body for chainmail, a breastplate or his sword.
He sat up in the narrow bed as the dream of becoming a noble knight
faded. In the age of chivalry, he too
had wanted to bring honor to his family and slay his own dragons. But this dream had ended very
differently.
He’d grown up among great wealth and luxury; his father a
successful tycoon. The man himself
enjoyed extravagant pleasures. His love
of excess (and his pocket money) made him popular among young friends addicted
to immorality.
Sometime later the man was bedridden for many months with a
serious illness. Fearing death, he
prayed constantly asking guidance about his future. Then came the dream that changed his life;
the dream where he was no longer a fearless knight but a call to follow Jesus .
. . literally!
When he recovered from his disease, he renounced his old
ways and dedicated his life to emulating Jesus; donating his entire wealth to
purchase food, clothing and goods for the poor. He tried to be humble because Christ lowered
himself and became human like us. He showed
compassionate to those who suffered as Christ endured crucifixion. People mocked him for his new lifestyle and
at times even assaulted him. He learned
to laugh at himself and not take their ridicule too seriously; qualities that
often won over even the most difficult people.
The man lived simply in prayer and meditation for two
years. Eventually, he travelled from
village to village preaching the love of God, even giving lessons to the
animals.
His gospel of kindness and love spread quickly and earned him
the name of St. Francis – the little poor man of Assisi. Others joined St. Francis’ example of service and
humility. He later founded the Order of Franciscan
Friars - our new Pope took the same name in his honor. St. Francis may be the only Holy man since
Jesus recognized by Muslims and Christians alike.
The simple “Prayer of St. Francis” offers us is a chance to
pause, pray and reflect on what it is we were created to do. It provides a simple blueprint upon which to
pattern our thoughts, speech and actions. Let us pray:
“Lord, make me an instrument of your
peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow
love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.” Amen
