*photo of Saint Francis taken behind the Old North Church in Boston
Today,
Christians around the world commemorate the Saint we know and love
as Francis
of Assisi.
It seems I have always known about St. Francis; I've prayed the
prayer attributed to him for as long as I can remember. And as the
patron saint of the environment, we often see his likeness keeping
vigil in backyard gardens.
However,
today, we can remember St. Francis not just as a kindly friar who
communed with nature, but as a young man who took seriously the call
of God on his life. Born in 1182, the son of a wealthy cloth
merchant, Francis spent his early years as a frivolous youth.
Eventually, though, Francis became disillusioned with his carefree
life and began to reflect on its true purpose. As the story goes, one
afternoon, Francis
heard Christ whispering to him:
“Repair my church, which is in ruins.” But an act of charity
toward the church outraged his father who disowned him. Francis,
though, renounced his father's wealth and devoted himself to serving
the poor.
A
quote attributed to Francis illustrates his sentiments toward
materialism:
The more stuff we have, the more clubs we need to
protect it. Be
free like
the lilies and the sparrows.
As a
missionary, I often wonder how much more we could accomplish as the
body of Christ, if we were not so worried about acquiring more stuff.
If we were truly free of material concern, like the lilies and the
sparrows Francis mentions.
St. Francis sought out the poor,
the leper, and other outcasts. He traded a life of wealth for a life
of service. He depended on the generosity of others to help those in
greater need.
As
Stuart and I look forward to returning to Mexico City and reaching
out to those in greater need, we too, are depending on the generosity
others. We ask you today, to please consider partnering with us in
ministry. A one time gift
or
a monthly commitment will
help us reach the marginalized in Mexico.
We
would love to share our vision for proclaiming
release to the captives of
drug addiction and setting
at liberty those who are oppressed by
the sex trade in Mexico City with your church, your small group, or
missions board. Please let us know how we can best serve
you.
Blessings,
Stuart
& Wendy
Lord,
Make me an instrument of your peace.
Where
there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where
there is injury, pardon,
Where
there is discord, union,
Where
there is doubt, faith,
Where
there is error, truth,
Where
there is despair, hope,
Where
there is sadness, joy,
Where
there is darkness, light.
O
Divine Master,
Grant
that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be
understood as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for
it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are
pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal
life.
Amen
