Francis always had his eye on treasure, that is 'spiritual' treasure. Seeking earthly treasure, to the worldly man, makes more sense and it's benefits are easier to grasp since, with wealth, one can buy almost every thing in this world. However, even the earthly man knows that NOTHING in this world lasts forever. Whatever benefits a person gains from worldly wealth only brings temporary benefits. Jesus encourages us to 'seek the treasure that never fades away - that thieves cannot steal, rust corrode or worms consume'.
The problem the worldly man has with spiritual treasures is that they are so 'unsubstantial'! You might see these 'treasures' in someone's actions (like when someone feeds the poor or takes care of the ill) and find them beautiful and inspiring, but understanding their real value and striving to get them?! The worldly man thinks that would be ridiculous - a waste of time even to think about trying to do!
Francis understood the value of virtues because he experienced their benefits. His heart and life always overflowed with these treasures!
"Holy Lady Poverty, the Lord save you, with your sister holy Humility. Holy Lady Charity, the Lord save you, with your sister holy Obedience. All you most holy virtues, may the Lord save you, for from Him do you proceed and come to us. No one there is in all the world that can possess anyone among you unless first he die. Whoever has one of you and does not offend the rest, has all of you. And whoever offends against any one of you, has none and offends you all."
Francis was extremely devoted to 'Lady Poverty'. Although 'Queen Wisdom' and 'Holy Simplicity' came first in this passage, it was Lady Poverty that helped Francis EVERY DAY to know, love and serve God. He admired Wisdom and appreciated Simplicity but he felt out of his depths in their presence since they were so sublime and majestic. Francis felt comfortable and safe in Lady Poverty's presence - she was very humble and meek, lowly and pure. She taught him to despise and reject this passing world for the treasure of knowing Christ. Francis often told his followers that Poverty kept Jesus free from attachment to things and allowed Him to focus all of His energies on serving God alone. She helped Francis do the same. Holy poverty, most importantly, taught Francis to rely only on God, at all times and in all circumstances.
The problem the worldly man has with spiritual treasures is that they are so 'unsubstantial'! You might see these 'treasures' in someone's actions (like when someone feeds the poor or takes care of the ill) and find them beautiful and inspiring, but understanding their real value and striving to get them?! The worldly man thinks that would be ridiculous - a waste of time even to think about trying to do!
Francis understood the value of virtues because he experienced their benefits. His heart and life always overflowed with these treasures!
"Holy Lady Poverty, the Lord save you, with your sister holy Humility. Holy Lady Charity, the Lord save you, with your sister holy Obedience. All you most holy virtues, may the Lord save you, for from Him do you proceed and come to us. No one there is in all the world that can possess anyone among you unless first he die. Whoever has one of you and does not offend the rest, has all of you. And whoever offends against any one of you, has none and offends you all."
Francis was extremely devoted to 'Lady Poverty'. Although 'Queen Wisdom' and 'Holy Simplicity' came first in this passage, it was Lady Poverty that helped Francis EVERY DAY to know, love and serve God. He admired Wisdom and appreciated Simplicity but he felt out of his depths in their presence since they were so sublime and majestic. Francis felt comfortable and safe in Lady Poverty's presence - she was very humble and meek, lowly and pure. She taught him to despise and reject this passing world for the treasure of knowing Christ. Francis often told his followers that Poverty kept Jesus free from attachment to things and allowed Him to focus all of His energies on serving God alone. She helped Francis do the same. Holy poverty, most importantly, taught Francis to rely only on God, at all times and in all circumstances.
"Lady Poverty" is coupled with "Lady Humility" because if you own nothing in this world then, in the eyes of the world, you count for nothing. This gives one the opportunity to find the key to abiding forever in the presence of God - Humility. Those without 'things' realize how totally dependant on God they are. Poverty shatters the illusion that most men cling to: that they are in control of their lives. Wealth creates and sustains this illusion. Therefore, experiencing 'Poverty' will force a person to become well acquainted with 'Humility'!
Francis next salutes 'Charity' (love) and 'Obedience'. Love (Charity) means thinking of others before one's self and offering, generously, the good things that God has given to you, to all who are in need. Obedience is that vow (promise) which the Friars (and brothers and sisters of penance) make that requires them to do whatever they are told to do by their superiors (unless it is clearly sinful).
Francis next salutes 'Charity' (love) and 'Obedience'. Love (Charity) means thinking of others before one's self and offering, generously, the good things that God has given to you, to all who are in need. Obedience is that vow (promise) which the Friars (and brothers and sisters of penance) make that requires them to do whatever they are told to do by their superiors (unless it is clearly sinful).
Francis couples Charity with Obedience because Obedience brings Charity to perfection. When we do acts of Charity, we act voluntarily, freely. However, when one acts in obedience, that action is not voluntary. For example, when a superior demands that you do something, you have no choice but to do what is ordered (because of your promise to be obedient). If you are able to do it with the same generous attitude as when you do have a choice then you have achieved perfect Charity since this act of love reveals the power of Love - SELFLESSNESS! Remember what St. Paul said about Jesus, "Learning obedience, He became perfect through the things He suffered." We MUST do the same if we want to call ourselves Jesus' followers.
Francis tells us that these virtues 'proceed and come to us" from Christ. These virtues, since their nature is spiritual, are eternal and share eternity with God. They actually reflect God's nature since they are part of His personality. They should be a part of our personality as well since we 'are made in His image'. Jesus said, "Be like your Father in heaven who is good to both the righteous and unrighteous, the good and the bad." We must learn to be like God who IS good and DOES good, without thought of self and with a heart open in love to all, even sinners like us!
Francis tells us that these virtues 'proceed and come to us" from Christ. These virtues, since their nature is spiritual, are eternal and share eternity with God. They actually reflect God's nature since they are part of His personality. They should be a part of our personality as well since we 'are made in His image'. Jesus said, "Be like your Father in heaven who is good to both the righteous and unrighteous, the good and the bad." We must learn to be like God who IS good and DOES good, without thought of self and with a heart open in love to all, even sinners like us!
Francis speaks somewhat cryptically when he says "No one there is in all the world that can possess anyone among you unless first he die", but he only echos what Jesus Himself said, "If you want to save your life, you must give it up for My sake". He also said, "Unless a man gives up everything he has, he cannot be my disciple." Francis knew that it is only by giving up what we have that we can get what God wants to give us. It is the one who is 'poor in spirit' - realizes he is nothing spiritually, that 'inherits the Kingdom of Heaven'. Dying means that we refuse to follow our old way of doing things - 'denying self' means we try to not focus on ourselves - and adopt, in faith, Christ's will. Remember, when facing death, Christ said, "Father, not my will but Yours be done." This is what it means to 'die to self' .
No one can have just a single one of these treasures or should think he will lose only one of them if he acts poorly toward that one. Francis said "Whoever has one of you and does not offend the rest, has all of you. And whoever offends against any one of you, has none and offends you all." Having one virtue is the first step in getting all of them. However, a person who offends one of them (is disrespectful or unappreciative) loses that one and chases off the rest as well! One is a 'Queen' and the others are "Ladies" so we must treat them all with the royal dignity they deserve!
No one can have just a single one of these treasures or should think he will lose only one of them if he acts poorly toward that one. Francis said "Whoever has one of you and does not offend the rest, has all of you. And whoever offends against any one of you, has none and offends you all." Having one virtue is the first step in getting all of them. However, a person who offends one of them (is disrespectful or unappreciative) loses that one and chases off the rest as well! One is a 'Queen' and the others are "Ladies" so we must treat them all with the royal dignity they deserve!
Wisdom and Simplicity - Poverty and Humility - Charity and Obedience - these wonderful treasures God freely gives to us! What can compare with these spiritual gems - that reflect the multi-faceted glory, wisdom, power and goodness of God!
PRAYER: Lord God, you know we are poor and broken people, covered with the filth of sin and, up to this time, satisfied to remain in the darkness of ignorance. However, You've shown us, through Christ, the riches, the treasures, that Jesus purchased for us and that he would lavish upon us. Lord, though unworthy, You have encouraged us through Your servant Francis, to ask for these treasures. So we ask for them with faith in Your generosity. Through them we know we will be able to always be with You and be able to see Your goodness. You, after all, are the only treasure we desire - in this world and the next. Grant our prayer and help us to draw near to You, our Lord and Savior, our friend and our True Love. Help us Father for we cry to You!
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Welcome to St. Blogs. I'd like to invite you to participate in Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival. We are a group of bloggers who gather weekly to share our best posts with each other. You can read this week's host post at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunday-snippets-catholic-carnival_27.html
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