April 12, 2025

Francis of Assisi came of age at a time when urban centers and commerce were replacing a longstanding agricultural economy.  It seems that Francis was particularly affected by these changes: not only was he the son of a wealthy merchant, but his father, in fact, treated him like a commodity, calling him Francis, instead of his birth name Giovanni, to please his business associates in France!  Francis spent his early years behind the walls and bank accounts of the family estate but grew disillusioned with a symbolic life that separated him from the pulse of his human existence.  And so, after years of interior turmoil and quiet suffering, he made the decision to follow Jesus.  He quite literally individuated at the center of town one day, stripping stark naked before a curious crowd, then walked into the countryside where he hoped to encounter his true father.  We know the rest of the story – preaching to the birds, rebuilding the church, gathering “little brothers,” etc. – but perhaps it would be helpful to spend this holy week reflecting on the power of a single decision. Perhaps we too are called to take a risk on Jesus. Perhaps now is our time for authenticity. Ave Crux, Spes Unica.