We know that Francis was somewhat ambivalent about learning, primarily because the pursuit of knowledge could distract (and obstruct!) from what was most important. Francis looked at EVERYTHING as a means to an end. The end he sought, in everything and with every action - was to know, love and serve God. Francis believed that ALL things point to God and, when used properly, help us deepen our personal relationship with Him. The problem is figuring out how to use all things, including learning, properly.
We've all heard the saying 'a little goes a long way'. Francis felt that one didn't need to know a lot of scripture to touch God or be touched by Him. That is why he always advocated 'PRAYER rather than READING'. A small amount of scripture reading was enough to empower one's prayers to God. Through prayer one came to know God, experiencially and, in addition, one was transformed as well, into a faithful child of God.
The passage below makes clear Francis' view of the proper way to use learning. When questioned as to whether it was good for the brothers to study scripture he said it was if . . . one was focused on the right things while studying. "Of course it pleases me, provided that after the example of Christ, of whom we read that He prayed rather than read, they do not neglect the pursuit of prayer and that they study it in order not only to learn how to preach but to put what they hear into practice, and then when they have practiced it, let them set it down for others to practice. I wish my brothers to be Gospel students and to advance in knowledge of the truth in a way that they likewise grow in unspoiled simplicity, so that they do not separate the simplicity of the dove from the wisdom of the serpent, for our excellent Master linked the two in His blest mouth."
Jesus made it clear that words - even His words - could only accomplish so much - given that God won't violate our 'free will' - our power to chose something other than God's will. He quickly came to realize that not only the hard-hearted and arrogant pharisees and priests didn't understand what He was saying but that His own disciples, more often than not, missed His point. We hear, again and again, Christ saying to His disciples, "Do you still not understand?! How long must I put up with you?! How long must I endure you!?' Jesus acknowledged that understanding His words could be difficult. "It is not given to everyone to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God . . . that is why I speak to them in parables".
It is important for us to meditate on scripture and allow the power of His words to transform our lives. However, how many of us have read scripture and ended up more confused than ever about what Jesus was trying to say?! Listening in the right way, with a heart opened by prayer, with the desire to both know God and do His will, is the right way to approach God in scripture. Afterward you still might not understand everything Christ said in a passage but you can be sure that you will get more than enough 'spiritual food' to keep you moving forward in your faith journey!
Just because people did not understand Jesus' words doesn't mean that His primary message to humanity didn't come through loud and clear in what He said and did: God loves us all, wants us to know that love (by experience) and wants us to share it with each other through acts of kindness. Jesus made it clear that love MUST BE something we DO rather than something we just talk about. In Jesus' vocabulary love is an action word. Jesus always encouraged His disciples to show their love by being kind to others as when He said after washing their feet, "What I have done was done as an example so that you will do to each other as I have done to you."
Our father Francis knew of what he was speaking when he said that there are few examples of Jesus 'reading' and many more examples of Jesus ''praying' 'throughout the night'. Francis urges us to follow Jesus' example and 'pray rather than read'. God REALLY teaches us to act in love when we pray. By spending hours in daily prayer, kneeling in God's presence, we are given wisdom, power and guidance as to how to love like God loves.
Jesus taught us that our 'righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and pharisees' who were known for 'teaching many things but not lifting a finger' in actual effort to do those things they taught. Jesus quoted His Father speaking through Isaiah when He said, 'They come close to Me with their lips but their heart is far away'. Their lips might be saying the right things but what they were saying was not reflective of what was going on in their hearts and lives, since their actions showed they didn't know God and didn't know how to please Him! Jesus had His own experience with supposed 'disciples' who said good things but didn't do good deeds. He said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord!' but then don't do what I say?!"
St. James said, "There should not be many teachers among us since we (those who teach) shall get a harsher judgment . . . for we all say many things but then don't do them." Knowing a little but DOING IT ALL is better than trying to know a great deal (more than maybe God really wants you to know!) and DOING LITTLE. Jesus said "To whom much is given much will be required." If you teach/learn a lot of scripture, Christ expects you to do EVERYTHING you've said and learned! Though Jesus is not encouraging us to remain ignorant, He is indicating that good servants do whatever He tells them. No excuses will be accepted on judgment day for our failure to follow through on His commands.
Francis is giving his followers good advice when he says 'let them not study so as to teach, but let them put it into practice'. I have met people who have memorized large portions of the scriptures and yet speak rudely, have an arrogant attitude and use a dismissive tone of voice with people. Their knowledge and words are good - based on God's word - however, I really wonder if they truly know Christ. Jesus is a person of infinite love and goodness, who is humble, welcoming and considerate - unlike these people whose only focus was on memorizing what He said. Jesus said that "A good disciple is truly like his Master". If these people's manner wasn't like Jesus' then one would have to wonder if they truly were disciples of Christ, truly learning from Him. Though I am sure, if questioned, they would argue that they were not only Jesus' disciples but very good ones, their ACTIONS actually contradicted their WORDS. We all know which speak louder!
Francis tells us that it is only after DOING what we've learned that we should try to teach it. "Then, when they have practiced it, let them set it down for others to practice". These teachers, to be good, have to have the same focus that a good student has: learning should cause one's love to grow for God and for men. Teachers shouldn't just give out information about God - no matter how interesting, profound or beautiful - but to teach people HOW TO ACT and WHAT TO DO to please God, and so draw near Him and truly know Him. Teachers 'set it down for others to PRACTICE' - not to only to think and talk about what they've learned but to actually do it!
Francis wants to drive home the point so he says the same thing but in a different way. "I wish my brothers to be Gospel students and to advance in knowledge of the truth in a way that they likewise grow in unspoiled simplicity". 'Good News' (Gospel) students should not only learn things but advance - make progress - in understanding the Truth ('I am the Truth', Jesus said). This progress will also, by necessity, cause them to grow in simplicity (purity and holiness) - in their way of thinking, feeling, acting and speaking.
Knowledge (of facts, etc) is worthless if one doesn't also grow in holy simplicity. Simplicity doesn't mean a person is 'simple' (unintelligent, mentally incompetent). Jesus was a very simple man, as was Francis and the Apostles of Christ. One definition of simplicity is purity. One who is spiritually simple has a mind free from the complications of sin - it's lies, delusions, darkness. This 'simple' mind is very lively, powerfully creative and looks at everything with a freshness, wonder and excitement that we often only find in children - the children of God.
Francis then makes a point he made previously (and discussed in a prior Post on this blog) - that we should "not separate the simplicity of the dove from the wisdom of the serpent, for our excellent Master linked the two in His blest mouth". We learn in Genesis that 'the serpent was more intelligent than all the other creatures'. Doves have long been symbols of purity, gentleness and peace - characteristics of holy simplicity. Knowledge is good but reaches it's zenith only when coupled with holy simplicity.
St. Paul provides us with a statement that highlights knowledge without love, Truth without kindness. He said, "Speaking the Truth in love . . ." All of us have faced the problem of having to tell the truth to someone and knowing that it will probably hurt their feelings - something we don't intend at all. It is the Truth, reflecting poorly on them , that causes the person to feel hurt and maybe even lowers their self esteem. However, if one speaks the Truth in love, love will guide one's tone, manner and words so that the person realizes that, though the Truth is still hard to hear, they somehow end up feeling affirmed after hearing it! The person not only feels loved but more confident that they are deserving of love, causing them to feel good and happy despite the Truth they've heard! St. Paul, in another place said, "Knowledge makes a person proud and arrogant toward others while, one who acts in love, ends up comforting and encouraging them."
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Your words are often hard to understand and we know this is because our hearts are so hard toward You. Give us 'eyes to see, ears to hearand hearts of flesh,', so we can understand what You are saying to us. We come to You because we know we need to change, to become, truly, children of God. However, as we learn Your word, we pray it not bring upon us Your judgment. We know we can escape Your judgment by realizing our utter need for help and humbly trying to do all You tell us. We know the goal You want us to aim for is love - love for God and love for others. Help us to learn from Your example of love - the fact that Your love for us compelled You to bear that terrible cross. Help us to follow Your example and love others with all we are and all we have. Your servant Francis' followed Your example of holy simplicity and perfect love. We pray that like You (and Francis) we might be simple, pure and humble and come to our heavenly Father, with all goodness, and in love. Amen.
2 comments:
I would like to wish the blog a Happy Anniversary! By my count, this is the fifty-second entry.
Brother Joseph, I understand that you are having some difficulty in conscience from putting your study into words, feeling that by expressing your study, you are being a hypocrite if you fail to live up to what you have written. I believe that your fear of hypocrisy is indication that you are struggling, i.e. attempting to practice. Does a hypocrite struggle, or is he smug, believing that his words are his proof?
All of us who are practicing fail sometimes, many times, maybe even seemingly every time. Any of us who says that he or she is practicing can be accused of hypocrisy.
I hope that I'm not being selfish in encouraging you to continue. Perhaps the blog forces you to study deeper than you would normally...? In putting your study before us all, perhaps you make a bigger effort to do the things about which you write...? Finally, I say that I know I am one who watches this space every week and I have benefited from it. I'm sure there are more than a few others.
Ultimately, you should do what He directs you to do. If He tells you to cease writing, then that is the right thing to do. As long as He guides you to write, I pray you do so with faith that He is working through you, and that it is good for you ... and everyone else.
Thanks little fool - who ain't so foolish actually! Sorry I am responding so late.
Very good advice all around.
About hypocrisy: It is so slippery, so sneaky, so insidious that, even after admitting it, confessing and repenting - you can feel smug about it. The lesson - always question your heart for the lies it loves to cling to, believe in. Continually hold it up to the mirror of Christ and make every effort to nail that wicked heart to the tree.
God bless you brother for your loving support and all your help. You are truly a great friend and all you do to encouragement/help me is deeply appreciated.
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