St. Francis on Fire

 In the summer of 1224 Our Father St. Francis felt that he was nearing the end of his life.  His health was failing and he had resigned as head of his newly formed Order of Friars Minor.  Yes, he was coming to an end, but he also sensed that he was being called anew by the Lord, to a new beginning, a deepening of his vocation.  He drew apart to a high and rugged mountain to immerse himself in prayer.  Around the feast of the Triumph of the Cross, Christ appeared to him as a crucified Seraph and answered his heartfelt request to share in the Passion both body and soul.  While most of us pray to be delivered from suffering, Francis prayed to suffer for love of Him who desired to suffer for love of us.  Wounds appeared on the body of Francis resembling those of the Crucified, while in his heart there burned the fire of a seraph aflame with love.  The mountain also burst into flame.  Here at least Christ’s desire to cast fire on the earth was fulfilled in this little poor man.

 

     Today in our country, fires not kindled by love, are burning down our forests and raging in our cities.  We pray for all those devastated by such tragedy, that the grace of God may ease their pain and that many good people will come to their assistance with material help.  We are also praying for our country as we near the days of elections.  May our Father St. Francis, who lived his life during very tumultuous times, pray for us all that we may receive the gift of God's peace!