An Instrument of Peace

St. Francis of Assisi may be the most revered of all the saints, not counting St. Nicholas, who is more revered as Santa Claus than as the Bishop of Myra.  There is something about his humble approach to life that warms people's hearts.  

But make no mistake, Francis was in many ways a firebrand.  He was, after all, the son of a rich merchant, he was privileged.  But seeing the needs if those around him, he decided to renounce his father's lifestyle, and demonstrated his intention to do so by stripping off all his fancy, well-tailored clothing in front of the local bishop.  All of it!  

He was always an advocate for the poor, for the outcast, for the downtrodden.  He was known as a friend of lepers, who were in his day literally and figuratively untouchable.  He sought to convey the gospel message of love and hope in ways even the least educated person could understand, most notably in his creation of a living creche.

He was known for his respect for creation, and the creatures who inhabit it.  It is said he would even avoid stepping on worms, and more than one story emphasizes his ability to communicate with animals, even those perceived as enemies of people, like wolves.  It is why in parts of the church an annual Blessing of the Animals is held on his feast day.  This day, as I write, October 4.

And while he probably did not actually write the famous Prayer of St. Francis, it certainly captures the spirit of this saint.  "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace," it begins.  And then it eloquently describes concrete actions we can take to do just that.

On this day, might we all commit ourselves to being more like Francis of Assisi.  Might we all be instruments of God's peace.