FRANCISCAN PRAYER

Most of us remember St. Francis as the one who loved the birds and animals. He is most often pictured with robins on his shoulders and and rabbits in his arms wandering down an idyllic natural path. And indeed St. Francis was connected to the natural world in a unique way. But he was also the saint who was deeply concerned with humans who were in need. In fact his act of kissing the leper, the most disgusting outcast of his day, defines who he was in a real sense. The God he knew demanded that he give up the life of luxury his inherited wealth entitled him to and that he live a life of poverty, begging for his daily food. The order founded by his followers is a mendicant order. In the early days they wandered around the countryside doing good and depending on the love and generosity of those they met for sustenance.

Franciscan style prayer thus is active and outside. And it sees the Savior in all around. So it seems to be an appropriate prayer style for Eastertide. As we wander our streets, probably in a vehicle powered by gasoline, we too can perhaps see Christ around us--not only in the beauty of the spring wildflowers but also in the beggar along the road, not only in the freshness of a cool, sunny day, but also in the pain of the ill, not only in the joy of springtime courting of every species of bird but also in the need of children abused. If we pray as Francis did we will become one with the natural order and particularly with those who suffer. We will do what we can; we will be one with them; we will see Christ in each and every one.

Will you join in praying this way? Will you share what you see and do?

Note: I will try to be more regular in my posts and do look for your comments--Sorry I was late this week; I'll try to get a post online by Sunday afternoon.