Many tales about this remarkable man exist. In one famous story, Francis preached to hundreds of birds about being thankful to God for their wonderful clothes and for God's care. It was said that the birds stood still as he walked among them and only flew away when he said they could leave.
Another story involves a wolf that had been eating human beings! When townsfolk wanted to kill the wolf, Francis intervened and talked the wolf into never killing again. The wolf became a pet of the people who made sure that he always had plenty to eat.
The founder of the Franciscan Order, in 1209 he composed a simple rule for his followers--the Primitive Rule--based on verses in the Bible. The rule was
"To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.”
"To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.”
I found this simple, handmade (I assume) rendering of St. Francis at a thrift store recently.
(I'm on the hunt for a suitable wolf to attach to the bottom of his robe.)
I respect the life and practice of this man of simple and genuine faith
and enjoy visual reminders of his life and teachings.
Though not Roman Catholic, I also thrill at the words tweeted
by retiring Pope Benedict XVI and broadcast worldwide today--
If only everyone could experience the joy of being Christian,
being loved by God who gave his Son for us!
and enjoy visual reminders of his life and teachings.
Though not Roman Catholic, I also thrill at the words tweeted
by retiring Pope Benedict XVI and broadcast worldwide today--
If only everyone could experience the joy of being Christian,
being loved by God who gave his Son for us!
hello again,
ReplyDeleteI know that St. Francis of assissi wrote a famous poem or story but for the life of me I can't remember which it is.........but I know I liked it
very much.
I am glad you shared the popes message, and I share your thrill of it as well, cause it is so true that everyone should delight in being a christian as I know no better thing that could happen to any person.................where and better yet what would we be without HIM! Scary to think about really..........
Blessings, Nellie
Nellie, You might be thinking of:
ReplyDeleteLord, make me an instrument of Thy 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.
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.
God is working simplicity into my heart in tangible ways. I'm grateful for the shift. Living simply helps me to live holy.
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts!
Simplicity...my favorite word. I have no desire for the riches of this world.
ReplyDeleteI love the Pope's words and share in his desire for all to come to the saving knowledge of the love of Christ. What a wonderful world it would be if all knew and loved our Jesus. Nothing is more simple than the gospel of Christ, just the way He intended. Give me the simple life over the riches of the world any day.
ReplyDeleteThe thrifted St. Francis is so sweet. Hope you find your wolfie. :0)
I have read some of St. Francis' writings. Simplicity has crept into my Less and I'm striving...
ReplyDelete