Pastor's Pen: Go and Repair My House

Francesco Bernadone was the son of a wealthy merchant, and he appreciated the finer things in life. In fact, he was a bit spoiled. During the Middle Ages, children of privilege were often trained in chivalry, courtesy, and court manners, and Francesco was no exception. He enjoyed luxury, music, and dance. The young man had an attractive personality and often became the life of the party.

As a follower of the ideals of chivalry, the young man also tried his hand at soldiering. In a minor skirmish, Francesco was captured. For one year, he was held in prison. There, his health deteriorated. After his father finally paid a ransom, he returned home and rebuilt his strength. A second time, he attempted to seek glory as a war hero, but something stopped him short. In a dream, God told Francesco to return home.

God took the ideals of chivalry that Francesco embraced — such as honor, valor, and courtesy — and redirected them toward service in the name of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures began to capture Francesco, especially Jesus’ exchange with another rich young ruler, “Go and sell everything, give to the poor, and follow me” (Mark 10:21, Matthew 19:21). What does it mean to follow Christ with wild abandon? Francesco was about to find out.

One day, Francesco sat in prayer before a crucifix in a small chapel near Assisi in Italy. God spoke to him, “Francis, go and repair my house which, as you see, is falling into ruins.” St. Francis of Assisi took the words literally and began rebuilding chapels that had fallen into disrepair. However, it dawned on him that God meant something more.

Francis was not a priest. He didn’t carry a diploma from a prestigious seminary. Francis began his renovation of the church using the only tools he had. He simply tried to embody the way of Jesus Christ. He practiced forgiveness and love. He preached the good news. He suffered. Francis rejected riches, honor, and comfort—anything which distracted him from his calling to repair the Church.

We remember St. Francis for his kindness toward animals and the environment, but that love was rooted in a sense of our being created by God. Hence, he declared “All creatures of our God and King,/Lift up your voice and with us sing, /Alleluia.” Our spiritual obligation cannot be separated from our physical existence. The life of discipleship is practiced in a world of people and things.

God’s church faces multiple challenges in our own day. She faces division and disunity. She often lacks a sense of purpose. She is burdened with error and distraction. She fails to love. The calling of Francis is our calling: “Go and repair my house.” The man from Assisi even shows us the way. Live out your faith in the world. Hold to the truth. Be peacemakers. Love radically. Follow Jesus.