Jesus answers this question for us in Matthew’s Gospel. In speaking to the Father, Jesus says, “although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” Francis responded directly to Jesus’ words in his simple way of living and interacting with all those around him. Francis is known for the childlike joyfulness with which he encountered life. But there’s much more to Francis than this. Have you ever noticed how earnest children can be when they’re at play? Francis realized that conversion is a life-long process, so while his actions were serious, they were done with a playful and life-sustaining attitude. Francis was much like the child who brushes by her expensive store-bought toys to play with the kitchen pots and pans. Francis made sure the trappings of his life were simple and didn’t interfere with his life-time engagement with Christ.
But, perhaps we shouldn’t be bothered with all this. After all, ours is the “ownership society.” It’s been ingrained that our first question must always be, “What’s in it for me?” Fortunately, we even have the answer for this question if we continue to read Jesus’ words in Matthew. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Francis accepted these words, and came to know Jesus in a most intimate way. If we listen to Jesus and follow the example of Francis, we, too, can come to experience true will I do it “my way” or “God’s way?” St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
