Frank of God - October 4, 2023
Today’s Readings: The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi - Psalm 121, Job 39:1-18, Matthew 11:25-30
As I get older, I name more freely that I relish gardening. I love tending flowers, picking weeds, scoping out ideas for growing vegetables in our terraced beds, and all the details in between. My husband Sam knows that anything related to outdoor gardening will be a well appreciated gift. This morning I am reminded of a statue he gave me. It stands about 30 inches tall and has moved with us several times. We always find a fitting place in the yard for Frank. You see, that is what we call him – Frank of God. We did not call him that from the start. It was after a period of time … kind of like when a nickname or word of affection arises because of relationship and exposure. This rendering of St. Francis of Assisi is a fixture in the places that I tend and relax and create.
Today the church honors and gives thanks for St. Francis (1182-1226), who lived a life of monetary privilege and then gave it all away to tend God’s house – and the most vulnerable in God’s creation. Others were influenced by his scrappy work ethic and faithfulness to God. This small group of men became officially acknowledged by the pope a few years after their inception – and we know of them as Franciscans. These friars in the cloistered order preached in the world, using words if necessary. The acclaim of St. Francis continues into the present, with hallmarks in simple living and a life of poverty.
One of the Bible readings associated with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is Matthew 11:25-30. As I read part of this scripture, I am reminded of what it is like to pull weeds and tend the plants around our statue Frank of God. It is work, to be sure. And yet, it is refreshing and fun. Jesus says to those who will listen, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The work that St. Francis did to serve God gave him respite. He put down the work that was put upon him by family expectations and worldly goods. And he picked up the yoke of Jesus and learned from him. That work was restorative and life giving.
We cannot all be Francis…and we can be inspired by his dedication and listen for where God is calling us to tend the spaces in need within our hearts and in this world. The places of brokenness and sickness. The spaces where a companion can bring a reminder of the resurrection hope of Jesus.
May God lift up your eyes this day,
Katherine+
Questions for Self-Reflection and Daily Challenge:
Think of your life.
When do you feel close to God? When do you feel far away? What or who brings you home?