What better way to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis than by reflecting on his life? Francis perfectly embodied the spirit and teachings of Christ, and Yogananda called him his patron saint.
Born to rich parents during the later part of the 12th century, Francis enjoyed all that life had to offer: material security, familial affection, and the admiration of many friends. He took every advantage of his privilege; in today’s language, Francis was into sex, drugs, and rock and roll. When those things did not satisfy his thirst for meaning, he sought glory in military conquest, which ended in his being a prisoner of war for almost two years. During his imprisonment, Francis hit bottom. In desperation and despair, Francis did something we all need to do, individually and collectively. He oriented his life to God. As he gazed on an image of the crucified Christ, he heard the words that transformed his life forever: “Francis, can’t you see that my church is crumbling? Go and rebuild it.” The power in these words pulled Francis out of his dark night and gave his life direction. He no longer lived for himself but for a greater good, the highest good. He lived for God, for Christ, and for a suffering humanity.
What was true for Francis is true for us. In modern America, most of us enjoy a level of material wealth that only the nobility experienced in the past. Yet, we are experiencing an epidemic of depression, anxiety, and addiction. We have been created to experience the highest love and the purest truth — the very life of God. Anything short of the divine life is going to ultimately leave us as empty and despairing as Francis was in his dark prison cell. My advice today is simple: Do what Francis did. Acknowledge your pain and bring it to God in prayer and meditation. Endeavor to see God in yourself, in others, and in all of creation. Then, build your life on the rock of loving service. Don’t seek to be loved, but strive to love others. Some might say you are foolish. You are in good company! Francis was often described as “a fool for Christ.” This, my friends, is a life which is good, noble, and joyous!
Brother Francis,
Today,
We celebrate your life
With immense gratitude
And deep love.
