Don't let false riches trick you!
There are two things in this world that all men want. First is to be fully in control of themselves - their bodies, time and space. For example - who wants to have someone else (like a boss) control their body and time, telling them what to do? The second thing people want to control is the world around: to control as much as possible the people, places, circumstances and things that are around them so that they can choose those things they like or more comfortable with. For example, we all dislike waiting in line especially on the freeway!
However, even rich and powerful people do not have absolute control over these things. They still get sick or have accidents. There are limits to what doctors can do and what money can buy. Also, who can truly escape others telling us what to do? In fact a rich and powerful person might have more people than the poor telling them what to do (and have to pay them for the guidance as well!) accountants, the government, lawyers and, if no one else, at least their spouse! Thus, even for the wealthy and powerful, there is no complete escape from nagging.
Francis knew this world was not the place where he (or anyone) could have absolute control over one's self (body, etc.) and over one's time and space - but he knew the way to be free from worry and fear and how to maximize the joy in life - even without this sense of control. He didn't try to rationalize his situation nor did he try and escape reality - as many people try to do. He faced the hardships of living in this world squarely. How was he able to do this with such joy, enthusiasm and peace? It was because he faced these difficulties of life with the power that comes from placing one's confidence in Christ - with the strength that God gives to those who trust Him!
Francis found the 'true' treasures of life - peace, joy and love. From Jesus he learned: "Those who give up their life, for My sake, shall save it while those who seek to preserve their lives (in this world) shall lose them." Jesus also said, "Those who would follow Me must give up everything . . . even their lives." But, how can we give everything up (even our lives and bodies)? What else do we have besides our bodies and time? Jesus is obviously asking us to sacrifice ourselves and says, in return, we will get everything we want. But how can we sacrifice everything if we don't trust Him?
Francis did believe in what Jesus said, confidently expected Jesus to fulfill His promises. He knew that, because of God's love and goodness, he could surrender his body and soul to Him. By doing so he came to experience what God had promised; an 'abundant' life in this world (rich, and satisifying - filled with peace, joy and love) and one that is 'eternal' - although it was a 'life' in the future, in recieving it by faith he gained the assurance of it, here and now, thereby eliminating his fear of death - setting him free to enjoy the here and now. At the same time he recieved the power to endure hardships patiently in this world since he knew what was coming was what really mattered - that which will last forever - heavenly bliss!)
Francis said:
It is poverty which makes people heirs and kings of the Kingdom of Heaven, not your false riches.
What did Francis mean? Francis knew that 'Poverty" freed one to be able to recieve all the gifts of God. It was poverty that allowed one to realize how poor a person was in reality (e.g. unable to control their body or their life - that 'things' don't satisfy the human hearts longing for God) and , through this realization, enabled one to freely embrace the life Christ wanted for us, in faith. Francis knew that those who trusted and followed Jesus' directions (to give up this world) would inherit everything ( in the next world). In addition, they would be kings, here and now, in that they would control (with Christ's help) their bodies by fully submitting themselves to the will of God (who is wise and all good). Because the 'riches' of this world were fake they were easy for Francis to give up - they did not give the 'true' treasures which were purely spiritual in nature. Francis had a clear vision of where the true riches could be found - in the heart of Christ.
What do you hope to gain during your brief life here on earth? Are you looking for the next thrill or pleasure? Do you focus your mind and body on gathering money or possessions? Do you realize the riches that Jesus is offering you - here and now, but also hereafter? Are you willing to sacrifice everything in this life, endure all the hardship and suffering this world can throw at you (with faith and patience - in joy and love) to get the treasures of the next world? What are your priorities - those things you consider most precious in life?
St. Paul said that a man reaps what he sows, "If you sow to the flesh you will reap corruption. If you sow to the spirit you will reap everlasting life." If you pour your life into this world and it's things - you will go the way of this world which is destined to turn into dust - to rot, fall apart and blow away in the wind. If you pour your life into the things of the spirit your life, here and now, will be filled with the spiritual treasures of peace, joy and love. What is worth more than those things? Also, we must invest in God and His Kingdom if we want to greet Him one day, in joy, and be welcomed by Him into His eternal Kingdom.
Although most of us are 'Secular' Franciscans (lay-people), Jesus' message of self-renunciation was for everyone who believes - not just for priests or other religious. Due to our stations in life as Seculars (our responsibilities in this world) we use and need 'things'. However, like Paul said, our 'grasp' on those things must be light!)
Francis also had one or two things in this life - even after forsaking the world and taking his vow of poverty: he had the clothes on his back. However, Francis was known to give his clothes to anyone who was in greater need without a second thought - even though that left him practically naked and exposed to the elements! We all must have the same attitude. Feeling angry, frustrated and selfish when we lose something, have to give something up or are asked to donate - is a sign (a deadly one!) that we are 'clinging to this world'. Like Jesus (and Francis) we must approach God naked (free of the lust for 'things') in this world. Jesus made this very clear: we must forsake everything, everyone and even our own lives, if we wish to follow Him.
So brothers and sisters, let us turn our backs on this world and it's things and make greater progress in coming to know, love and serve the Lord. Those who do will be 'truly' rich - like Francis - with the knowledge and love of God! We can all be confident that, with God, come all other 'true' riches as well. However, what is more delightful, wonderful, good, glorious, amazing and fantastic- than the living God?! He offers Himself freely, with joy, faith and love - to all who want Him and seek Him in prayer. Do you want Him?
There are two things in this world that all men want. First is to be fully in control of themselves - their bodies, time and space. For example - who wants to have someone else (like a boss) control their body and time, telling them what to do? The second thing people want to control is the world around: to control as much as possible the people, places, circumstances and things that are around them so that they can choose those things they like or more comfortable with. For example, we all dislike waiting in line especially on the freeway!
However, even rich and powerful people do not have absolute control over these things. They still get sick or have accidents. There are limits to what doctors can do and what money can buy. Also, who can truly escape others telling us what to do? In fact a rich and powerful person might have more people than the poor telling them what to do (and have to pay them for the guidance as well!) accountants, the government, lawyers and, if no one else, at least their spouse! Thus, even for the wealthy and powerful, there is no complete escape from nagging.
Francis knew this world was not the place where he (or anyone) could have absolute control over one's self (body, etc.) and over one's time and space - but he knew the way to be free from worry and fear and how to maximize the joy in life - even without this sense of control. He didn't try to rationalize his situation nor did he try and escape reality - as many people try to do. He faced the hardships of living in this world squarely. How was he able to do this with such joy, enthusiasm and peace? It was because he faced these difficulties of life with the power that comes from placing one's confidence in Christ - with the strength that God gives to those who trust Him!
Francis found the 'true' treasures of life - peace, joy and love. From Jesus he learned: "Those who give up their life, for My sake, shall save it while those who seek to preserve their lives (in this world) shall lose them." Jesus also said, "Those who would follow Me must give up everything . . . even their lives." But, how can we give everything up (even our lives and bodies)? What else do we have besides our bodies and time? Jesus is obviously asking us to sacrifice ourselves and says, in return, we will get everything we want. But how can we sacrifice everything if we don't trust Him?
Francis did believe in what Jesus said, confidently expected Jesus to fulfill His promises. He knew that, because of God's love and goodness, he could surrender his body and soul to Him. By doing so he came to experience what God had promised; an 'abundant' life in this world (rich, and satisifying - filled with peace, joy and love) and one that is 'eternal' - although it was a 'life' in the future, in recieving it by faith he gained the assurance of it, here and now, thereby eliminating his fear of death - setting him free to enjoy the here and now. At the same time he recieved the power to endure hardships patiently in this world since he knew what was coming was what really mattered - that which will last forever - heavenly bliss!)
Francis said:
It is poverty which makes people heirs and kings of the Kingdom of Heaven, not your false riches.
What did Francis mean? Francis knew that 'Poverty" freed one to be able to recieve all the gifts of God. It was poverty that allowed one to realize how poor a person was in reality (e.g. unable to control their body or their life - that 'things' don't satisfy the human hearts longing for God) and , through this realization, enabled one to freely embrace the life Christ wanted for us, in faith. Francis knew that those who trusted and followed Jesus' directions (to give up this world) would inherit everything ( in the next world). In addition, they would be kings, here and now, in that they would control (with Christ's help) their bodies by fully submitting themselves to the will of God (who is wise and all good). Because the 'riches' of this world were fake they were easy for Francis to give up - they did not give the 'true' treasures which were purely spiritual in nature. Francis had a clear vision of where the true riches could be found - in the heart of Christ.
What do you hope to gain during your brief life here on earth? Are you looking for the next thrill or pleasure? Do you focus your mind and body on gathering money or possessions? Do you realize the riches that Jesus is offering you - here and now, but also hereafter? Are you willing to sacrifice everything in this life, endure all the hardship and suffering this world can throw at you (with faith and patience - in joy and love) to get the treasures of the next world? What are your priorities - those things you consider most precious in life?
St. Paul said that a man reaps what he sows, "If you sow to the flesh you will reap corruption. If you sow to the spirit you will reap everlasting life." If you pour your life into this world and it's things - you will go the way of this world which is destined to turn into dust - to rot, fall apart and blow away in the wind. If you pour your life into the things of the spirit your life, here and now, will be filled with the spiritual treasures of peace, joy and love. What is worth more than those things? Also, we must invest in God and His Kingdom if we want to greet Him one day, in joy, and be welcomed by Him into His eternal Kingdom.
Although most of us are 'Secular' Franciscans (lay-people), Jesus' message of self-renunciation was for everyone who believes - not just for priests or other religious. Due to our stations in life as Seculars (our responsibilities in this world) we use and need 'things'. However, like Paul said, our 'grasp' on those things must be light!)
Francis also had one or two things in this life - even after forsaking the world and taking his vow of poverty: he had the clothes on his back. However, Francis was known to give his clothes to anyone who was in greater need without a second thought - even though that left him practically naked and exposed to the elements! We all must have the same attitude. Feeling angry, frustrated and selfish when we lose something, have to give something up or are asked to donate - is a sign (a deadly one!) that we are 'clinging to this world'. Like Jesus (and Francis) we must approach God naked (free of the lust for 'things') in this world. Jesus made this very clear: we must forsake everything, everyone and even our own lives, if we wish to follow Him.
So brothers and sisters, let us turn our backs on this world and it's things and make greater progress in coming to know, love and serve the Lord. Those who do will be 'truly' rich - like Francis - with the knowledge and love of God! We can all be confident that, with God, come all other 'true' riches as well. However, what is more delightful, wonderful, good, glorious, amazing and fantastic- than the living God?! He offers Himself freely, with joy, faith and love - to all who want Him and seek Him in prayer. Do you want Him?
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