Learning from Saint Francis of Assisi Giving God What Is Rightfully His

By Father Garrett Nelson

Vilescant mihi, Domine, omnia transitoria,
et cara mihi sint omnia aeterna.
(“May all transitory things, O Lord, be worthless to me
and may all things eternal be ever cherished by me.”
–St. Thomas Aquinas, excerpt from A Prayer for Ordering a Life Wisely)

God has funny (and perfect) ways of arranging moments in our lives so as to give us exactly what we need. Words of encouragement come from the most unexpected sources when we most need them, and subtle invitations to holiness are proffered to us when we find ourselves faltering. Yes, certainly we take great joy when we recognize those moments. There are other times, however, when God wishes to get through to us—to pierce our hearts so that we will freely give him what is rightfully His. But all too often our own concepts of who we think we ought to be deafen us to his inspirations and prevent us from living the freedom that is none other than doing the Will of God.

Towards the end of Advent, by a stroke of Providence, I stumbled upon a recent “radio theatre” production entitled Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi which dramatically presents episodes from the life of this powerful Saint to whom I have a very strong attraction and devotion, but as of late have given little attention. The performance was strikingly powerful, oftentimes causing strong emotional reactions within me.

As it is quite rare for me to react in such a way, I prayed about it, asking God, “What is it about this poor little man from Assisi that I find so striking? Why have I always been so moved by this Saint?” The answer came just as quickly as I uttered that prayer: “His life inspires you simply because he desired nothing—nothing but to do the Will of God, and to do it perfectly and without reserve.”

Transitory things were worthless to him, and he cherished things that are eternal. This ideal inspires every priest and religious, and helps to remind us that the things of this world are always transitory. Remembering this cannot help but renew the commitment we made on the day of our ordination or final vows: The commitment of the entirety of our lives to God in Christ Jesus—for He is the only lasting possession that we have. If you feel called to follow us in this radical way life, do not be afraid, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt 6:21).