When I was in Santa Fe, there was this beautiful cathedral called the St. Francis Cathedral Basilica. Maybe if I can learn how to be techno savvy, I can post some pics for you to peruse. I found a book called, St. Francis and the Cross, and I found my favorite quote about joy. When I was in my internship, I heard Allen Hood quote this in his sermon, and I’ve forever loved it since. It’s long, so sit back and relax. . .
St. Francis called to Brother Leo, who was walking a bit ahead of him, and
he said, ‘Brother Leo, even if the Friars Minor in every country give a great example of holiness and integrity and good edification, nevertheless write down and note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.’And when he had walked on a bit, St. Francis called him again, saying, ‘Brother Leo, even if a Friar Minor gives sight to the blind, heals the paralyzed, drives out devils,
gives hearing back to the deaf, makes the lame walk, and restores speech to the
dumb, and what is still more, brings life a man who has been dead four days,
write that perfect joy is not in that.’[. . .] And going on a bit father, St. Francis called again strongly: ‘Brother Leo, even if
a Friar Minor could preach so well that he should convert all infidels to the
faith of Christ, write down that perfect joy is not there.’Now when he had been talking this way for a distance of two miles, Brother Leo in great amazement asked him, ‘Father, I beg you in God’s name to tell me where perfect joy is.’
And St. Francis replied, ‘When we come to St. Mary of the Angels, soaked by the rain and frozen by the cold, all soiled with mud and suffering from hunger, and we ring at the gate of the Place and the brother porter comes and says angrily, “Who are
you?” And we say, “We are two of your brothers.” And he contradicts us, saying, “You are not telling the truth. Rather you are two rascals who go around deceiving people and stealing what they give to the poor. Go away!” And he does not open for us, but makes us stand outside in the snow and rain, cold and hungry, until night falls – then if we endure all those insults and cruel rebuffs patiently, without being troubled and without complaining, and if we reflect humbly and charitably that the porter really knows us and that God makes him speak against us, oh, Brother Leo, write that perfect joy is there!’. . . if we endure all those evils and insults and blows with joy and patience, reflecting that we must accept and bear the sufferings of the blessed Christ patiently for love of Him, oh, Brother Leo, write: that is perfect joy!’”
In the midst of our hedonistic, narcissistic culture I think we’ve distorted our idea of true joy, just as we’ve tainted ultimate love to be equivalent to sex. I want the kind of joy that St. Francis expounds upon. I want to glory in the sufferings that come my way, that I might be conformed into the image of my Beloved. I know that is my lot – it’s what my name means, “Christ-bearer”.
Jesus, conform me into your image that I might have the manifest Emmanuel living deep within me. I want true reality, not the obdurate subterfuge of society that refuses to look to You to be set free from their pain enough to be genuine. Save us, Jesus, from ourselves.
Kristine
