First Encounter With Francis of Assisi

Further Readings

First Encounter with Francis 75 FurthEr rEadings To really know Saint Francis, nothing can replace direct contact with the Writings he left us and with the remembrances of his first companions or his first biographers. By way of an illustration of the principal themes dealt with in this volume, we are offering here a brief anthology of these primitive texts. i. thE writings oF Francis156 1. The Admonitions Each year at Pentecost all the brothers came together for chapter. It was a time not only for adjusting existing legislation but for retreat as well, for a renewed contact with the ideal, for a new definition of objectives. Francis took advantage of this time to propose anew one or another aspect of gospel life in fraternity. These admonitions or exhortations have come to us in the form of summaries such as the following. that nobody should bE proud, but should glory in thE cross oF thE lord Consider, O human being, in what great excellence the Lord God has placed you, because He created and formed you to the image of His beloved Son according to the body, and to His likeness according to the spirit. And all creatures that are under heaven, each in its own way, serve, know, and obey their Creator better than you do. And even the demons did not crucify Him, but you together with them have crucified Him and are still crucifying Him by taking delight in vices and sins. In what, then, can you glory? Even if you were so clever and wise that you possessed all knowledge, and knew how to interpret all kinds of language and how to investigate in detail heavenly things, in none of these things can you glory. In fact, one demon has known about heavenly things 156 This selection of writings of Francis has been translated by JeanFran çois Godet-Calogeras from the latest Latin critical edition prepared by Carlo Paolazzi, Francisci Assisiensis Scripta, Spicilegium Bonaventurianum , 36 (Grottaferrata: Editiones Collegii S. Bonaventurae, 2009). First Encounter with Francis 76 and still knows more about those of earth than all human beings, although there may have been someone who received from the Lord a special knowledge of the highest wisdom. In like manner, even if you were more beautiful and richer than anybody, and even if you could work wonders, enough to put demons to flight, all these things are contrary to you, and nothing belongs to you, and in none of these things can you glory. But in this we can glory: in our infirmities, and in bearing every day the holy cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Admonition V on povErty oF spirit Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:3). There are many who devote themselves to prayers and offices, and inflict many abstinences and pains upon their bodies. But for a single word that seems to be an insult to their person, or for anything that would be taken away from them, they are immediately scandalized and upset. These people are not poor in spirit, because someone who is truly poor in spirit hates himself and loves those who strike him on the cheek. Admonition XIV 2. Legislation In 1209 Francis “had a text written down in a few and simple words” which the Pope approved. This text, the first draft of the Rule of the Friars Minor, was taken up again, enlarged, and perfected during the annual chapters held by the brothers. That Early Rule represents an important stage in the evolution toward the final draft, the Later Rule, or the Rule of 1223, approved by the Church. chaptEr vi: on thE rEcoursE oF thE brothErs to thE MinistErs ; and that no brothEr shall bE callEd prior In whatever places the brothers are, if they cannot observe our life, they shall have recourse as soon as they can First Encounter with Francis 77 to their minister, making this known to him. The minister in turn shall endeavor to provide for them as he would want to be done for him if he were in a similar position. And no one shall be called prior, but in general all shall be called lesser brothers. And each shall wash the feet of the other. Early Rule VI chaptEr vii: on thE MannEr oF sErving and working All the brothers, in whatever places they may be among other...