The Feast of St Francis

Franciscans all over the world observed 'Transitus' on Oct 3rd, the day before the Feast of St Francis on Oct 4th. Transitus marks the transition from life to eternal life for Francis of Assisi. At his death, he gathered his friends and followers around him and encouraged and exhorted them to keep the faith and the rule of life that Francis authored. I was asked lately about my choice to join the Seculars and I did some thinking and reading before answering. One of today's readings in the Divine Office gives Paul's exhortation to model ourselves after those who have been proven to be true to the faith.

Philippians 3:17-4:1

My brothers, be united in following my rule of life. Take as your models everybody who is already doing this and study them as you used to study us. I have told you often, and I repeat it today with tears, there are many who are behaving as the enemies of the cross of Christ. They are destined to be lost. They make foods into their god and they are proudest of something they ought to think shameful; the things they think important are earthly things. For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the saviour we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. He will do that by the same power with which he can subdue the whole universe.     So then, my brothers and dear friends, do not give way but remain faithful in the Lord. I miss you very much, dear friends; you are my joy and my crown.

So we see that there is a scriptural foundation for the establishment of religious orders. Some are attracted to this saint or that and following a particular saint's rule of life helps to add stability and purpose to their spiritual life. For me, that saint is Francis of Assisi. In my youth, he had a counter-cultural appeal, but now that appeal has matured into a fervent zeal to model after someone who so clearly lived out the gospel of Jesus Christ.