Yesterday, October 4^th, Christians remembered St. Francis of Assisi.

Many people know of him and stories about him. There is the famous story about how he cared for a leper who was shunned by everyone because of his disease. Another popular image was of Francis feeding the birds and so he has become synonymous with the care of animals. At this time of year, the Church of England and other groups help us to think about Animal Welfare and, through a Creation Season, Nature generally.
Francis is also famous for his preaching and missionary work, including drawing people to live a more simple and dedicated life in the love and service of God.

One story about his comes from a collection of stories, The Little Flowers of Saint Francis. Collected and published in the Middle Ages, it captures and presents a spirit which is truly Franciscan. It was translated into Italian by an unknown Franciscan friar, from a much larger work. It has 53 short chapters .
The Little Flowers sheds  a light on the way Francis and his Companions (with St.Clare and those who prayed with her), paved the way for an imitation of the Franciscan way of life, witness and spirituality which continues to enrich both church and world today.
Here’s a story from the collection.

Francis and a companion once visited the home of a rich man, late in the evening. The nobleman welcomed them with open arms and, we are told, received them as if they had been angels of God, with courtesy and devotion.
The man embraced them, washed their feet, wiped them and humbly kissed them. He kindled a fire, made ready the table with much food and served it with a joyful countenance.
He then prepared beds and offered many gifts. In the morning, he provided fresh clothing. He told them that if the brothers needed clothing, he would always pay for it. He professed that he was ready to provide for all their needs. He could do this willingly because of all that God had provided him. He willingly would give of this to the poor.
When Francis left him with great rejoicing he held the man in his heart and in his prayers.The man, had done such a lovely thing also rejoiced and prayed for Francis.

Francis knew however that there was more. He had looked into his eyes and had not rested until he saw into his soul.
He said to his companions “He would make a good friar. He is so grateful and thankful to God and so kind and courteous to his neighbour and to the poor.”
He reminded his brother that courtesy is one of the attributes of God who gives us all we need and is courteous and kind and loving towards us. These things he found in the man’s soul – the divine imprint.
Francis determined to return again soon to his house.

When Francis re-visited the area, he called on the man again.
First, he knelt in prayer at the gate.
The man saw him and rushed down the drive to kneel besides Francis.

God was speaking to both their hearts and Francis lifted him up, and ‘in fervour and gladness of heart embraced him and kissed him devoutly giving thanks to God,’ who had brought to him a new friar.
The man asked, ‘what do you command me to do, my father? Lo I am ready to do your bidding and give all that I possess to the poor and thus, no longer held back by worldly things, to follow Christ with you.’
And so he did.

The nobleman had given out of the generosity of his heart and his means when Francis first visited him. He gave so much for the mission of Jesus Christ being carried out by Francis and his companions. But for him, there was something missing. Something he still had to give. The only gift that God truly wants from any and all of us. He gave himself. He joined Francis in his work. He gave his life, heart, his soul.

Make of this story what you will!

[Mr G]