St. Francis of Assisi – Conformed in the Body and Image of Christ.

Reflecting on the life of “Francesco,” the acclamation “another Christ” among the greatest saints is attributed to him with reverence after Blessed Mary.  It is St. Francis who first receives Christ’s stigmata so that his lowly body would conform to Christ’s glorious body (Phil 3:21).  That which follows highlights the ways in which St. Francis is esteemed as the most beloved reflection of Christ the world has ever known.

In his younger years, St. Francis experienced the many comforts that come to a prominent family managing a successful business.  Even so, the wealth that lay waiting for him did not have the same life changing impact as the Gospel of St. Matthew.  The message “Do not get any gold to take with you in your belts” dramatically drew Saint Francis into a life of poverty.

He wanted to make himself like Christ in every way.

It was after his return from a long pilgrimage that he converted to fully embrace a poor and penitential life to work among lepers.  Christ uses the humble hands of Francis to repair his Church at San Damiano – a holy place that would blossom into the Catholic Church later.

In spite of his deep embrace of poverty in the model of Christ, of blindness, and of the wounds of Christ’s passion, Saint Francis embodied a Christian joy at being totally dependent upon God.  Living with great suffering, his focus remained on Christ, the Incarnate Word and his mission of salvation.  He entered into divine glory at the age of 44.

In closing, many give St. Francis the holy reference “another Christ” because of his devotion to the poor and compassionate approach to the fallen human condition.  He grounded himself in recapitulating Christ’s love and fulfillment of the Gospel in the direst circumstances.  Perhaps it is the Prayer of St. Francis that most beautifully demonstrates how this humble and suffering saint mirrors the Person of Christ more than any other.

I recently discovered St. Francis Canticle of Creation.  It reflects his great love of God and the universe that He spoke into being.

Canticle of Creation – Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God,
to you belong praise, glory,
honor and all blessing.
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation
and especially for our Brother Sun,
who brings us the day and the light;
he is strong and shines magnificently.
O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon,
and for the stars
which you have set shining and lovely
in the heavens.
Be praised, my Lord,
for our Brothers Wind and Air
and every kind of weather
by which you, Lord,
uphold life in all your creatures.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful to us,
and humble and precious and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom you give us light in the darkness:
he is bright and lively and strong.
Be praised, my Lord,
for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us,
bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds
and flowers of many colours.
Be praised, my Lord,
for those who forgive for love of you;
and for those
who bear sickness and weakness
in peace and patience
– you will grant them a crown.
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death,
whom we must all face.
I praise and bless you, Lord,
and I give thanks to you,
and I will serve you in all humility.

Amen