For the last week, I’ve been reading a chapter or two from St. Bonaventure’s “The Life of St. Francis” before I go to sleep.
These words, written around 1260, have filled my heart and mind — my dreams — and my waking hours — like nothing I’ve consumed in a very long time.
If you have any interest in the life of the current Papa Francisco, or own a statue of St. Francis, or have attended a blessing of the animals at your church, or perhaps even took the name Francis at your confirmation — you might also be interested in knowing more about this man who lived more than 800 years ago.
His choices, his approaches and his very presence on this earth are in stark contrast to American lifestyles in the 21st Century.
And yet.
We still love him so.
It gives me hope that this love will move us to live ever more gently with feet grounded on God’s earth — and in ways that show God we see him as Francis desired to see him.
This painting is the result of four days of evolving visions of St. Francis. That he walked this world simply and humbly — and that God moved with him and through him in a way that has enduring significance — is part of its story.
I invite you to learn more from your own ground.
