Introduction

Many great saints have left us discourses of their journey to God - The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, The Ascent of Mt Carmel by St John of the Cross, The Interior Castle of St Teresa of Avila, to name a few. Francis, however, speaks to us by his life rather than by his writings, and his whole-hearted, enthusiastic practicality is a challenge to us today as we search for meaning and fulfillment in our way to God.

Francis did not live in a monastery but among ordinary men and women and in that world he sought and found his God. The search was often through dark ways and demanded often radical changes of direction but he sought and found his God through an incarnational approach – God was his loving Father and all he had was gift; Christ was his Brother and the Spirit of that love lived in him. So his approach was Trinitarian, not static. Again Francis was practical – the Crib, the Cross, the Eucharist were his way to God, and finally his relationship to the Triune God led to an intimacy and familiarity with all wonders of creation so that he could address them as Brother/Sister – all were members of the one family.

So Francis did not speak about spirituality so much as he lived his prayer - as Celano said "He became prayer" and in the intimacy of his relationship with God he would have his followers join him. "Hold back nothing of yourself for yourself, so that he who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally."  

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The Continuing Challenge of Francis of Assisi

And Francis Speaks:

"My child, this is your Ancient Friend - your Father Francis.
We've known each other for many years . . . . 
You've always appreciated my direct manner . . .
Have you the courage to kiss the Leper?
Dare you to strip naked and call God our Father?
Can you be the Herald of the Great King?
Have you the strength to embrace Perfect Joy?
Are you Brother/Sister to all creatures in my Canticle?
Will you preach to the Sultan in spite of fear?
Can you exorcise the demon know as Gloom?
Trust you enough to cast your cares upon the Lord?
Pray you enough to be Prayer itself?
Believe you enough to accept the miracle of Greccio?
Love you enough to witness the Revelation of La Verna?
Is Easter real enough for you not to be intimated by Sister Death?
Take care . . . .
One day you will have to give an account of yourself." 

Fr Gabriel B Costa

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