Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Ann Spanjers continues a Franciscan Spirituality Series focusing on how St. Francis discovers to build Christ’s Church. If you would like to know more about her outreach with a Franciscan Friar to young adults, click here. To listen to more videos, click here.
Transcript
In his Testament St Francis wrote, “The Most High revealed to me that I should live according to the Holy Gospel.” Francis is convinced of this truth because of the undeniable intervention by the Lord that happened on Feb 24, 1208, at the chapel of the Porziuncola which he rebuilt.
While at Mass he heard the Gospel in a way never before experienced by him. As the celebrant read the text the words went directly to Francis’ heart. They rang out clearly and distinctly in the quiet solitude of that little church. The passage may have been from Matthew, Mark or Luke; Matthew’s account:
Jesus said “as you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment: give without payment, take no gold or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey or two tunics or sandals or staff; for laborers deserved their food…Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worth, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.” (Matt 10:7-14)
Father Roch Niemier, OFM in his book, In the Footsteps of Francis and Clare writes, this was a pivotal moment in Francis’ conversion itinerary. All the narratives relate that in this proclamation of the Gospel; Franci was so struck by it that his everyday life was turned upside down. It is helpful to remember that Francis had already experienced the message from the San Damiano Crucifix to “rebuild my Church” Now Francis was discovering how–follow the Gospel.
This is so key to Franciscan life; to rebuild the faith we received at our baptism; to listen to Jesus speak to us through the Gospel. In the circumstances of our life today, to be attentive to the Gospel; to take time to re-read, ponder, question how is Jesus calling me to “rebuild” my life with him?
A wonderful way I discovered more about who Jesus is was some years ago, I was taking a Christology class, the professor assigned us to read one of the Gospels beginning to end in one sitting. I chose the Gospel of John, it took all afternoon. What I discovered was more about the personality of Jesus in John’s Gospel; Jesus was never a victim, he always chose what he wanted to say, who he wanted to speak to and what he was doing with his life. I found Jesus to be my protector, the one in charge of life, the strongest person I had ever known; and that his strength, conviction, perfect control all came from within him because of His love with the Father, Jesus never falters in John’s Gospel, He is completely convinced that he is doing His Father’s will and will not let anyone or anything manipulate him. His faith is what I can depend upon; He is God’s Son and I belong to him!
The Holy Spirit enlightens each of us as we read and listen to God speak to us through His Word, through Jesus. We have a very personal God who longs to speak to your heart as he did for Francis and as he does for me!
