In the Footsteps of Francis

Father Jack Wintz, OFM, reflects on ways in which St. Francis, whose feast day is the 4th of October, can serve as a model for simplicity in the midst of hectic lives.

How is Francis a model for simple living?

Well, he dressed simply—in a habit made of something like sackcloth. He was not on the lookout for fine food, and yet did not criticize those who ate in the style of Martha Stewart or shopped in the best clothing stores. St. Francis often found solace in nature.

In what ways can we find peace in nature?

Taking time to walk in the woods or along the river helps us to be contemplative. We find God’s beauty in flowers and in the singing of the birds, or in Sister Moon or Brother Sun. We can find peace by seeing all creatures as belonging to one big family of creation. Then we see our role as humble caretakers; not as proud masters of our brother and sister creatures.

How do you find simplicity within yourself?

When I was flying back from a family visit recently, our plane went through a great jolt of turbulence. I saw how small and simple I really was and felt as small and dependent on God as do the people in an earthquake or tsunami or tornado.

How can we detach from constant communication and noise?

Going to the peaceful places mentioned above and reading contemplative passages of Scripture, such as Psalm 62 (“My soul rests in God alone” and “God alone is my rock and salvation”).

What did the Eucharist mean to St. Francis? How did he express his devotion to it?

The Eucharist is the closest connection that any follower of Jesus (Francis included) can get to Jesus. It flows out of our belief in the Incarnation. Francis defended the Eucharist against the Albigensians, the Catholic Church’s strongest critics in his day. Because they taught that everything material is bad and everything spiritual is good, the Albigensians rejected the Eucharist and all the other sacraments. The feast of Corpus Christi, which had begun in Belgium, was extended to the worldwide Church about 30 years after Francis died.

In 1215, Pope Innocent III held the Fourth Lateran Council, which lasted only a month but had a major impact, especially on the celebration and reception of the Eucharist. That council legitimated the term transubstantiation and introduced the Easter duty (confession of mortal sins at least once a year), encouraging at least yearly reception of the Eucharist.

Many people were so convinced about their unworthiness that they were content simply to look at the consecrated host during Mass or at Benediction. Francis wrote several letters to encourage greater reverence for the Eucharist. Eucharistic devotion was the subject of several of his Admonitions to the friars.

Francis was particularly concerned about the cleanliness of churches, especially altar linens and liturgical vessels. St. Clare, who shared this concern, embroidered many corporals and purificators for use at Mass.

Members of the Franciscan family, especially Secular Franciscans, eventually received holy Communion on specified liturgical feasts. In some ways, they were ahead of the frequent Communion promoted by St. Pius X more than 100 years ago for people properly prepared and disposed.

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