I first read The Little Flowers of St Francis when I was in college. I was one over to his Gospel of kindness and forgiveness. I've also been following his little way ever since. Seriously, I'm daily tempted to preach to the birds, to try to convert stray dogs, and to chat with Brother Sun and Sister Moon.
St Francis reminds me to receive everything around me, from people to the natural world, as an occasion of joy. Just like Francis did.
So today finds me tempted to regale you with the stories of Francis preaching to birds, or converting the wolf of Gubbio. But I'll refrain. Instead, I want to offer a prayer that isn't his, though it's often attributed to Francis, because it's much in his spirit. Of course, you all know this prayer. I try to pray it everyday:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.