Thursday, March 1, 2012

Dear God,

A statue of St. Francis stands at the opening edge of my contemplative garden.  A silent partner in faith, St. Francis is for me a universal symbol of Christian love.  He brings me peace, a sense of calm, a commitment to walk through this world in fellowship with my neighbor, and a need to remember to care for others.  As I look out and see him, I feel joy in my soul.

St. Francis came to me as a vision more than forty years ago although I had no idea who he was until the name John came to me.  I saw him as a monk in a heavy robe.  At the time I was not even familiar with saints, let alone St. Francis.  He spoke to me not in the usual manner but rather through a silent witness.  While I never heard his voice, I knew what he wanted to say to me, like through osmosis.  It was in 2005 that I learned St. Francis was first named John at his birth by his mother.  When his father returned, he renamed him Francis.  Interesting that for decades he was John for me until my renewal leave at which time it was revealed that he was Francis.  Perhaps it was meant to be a spiritually transforming time for me even in the way in which he was part of my life.

I realize that St. Francis of Assisi is meant to be a significant figure in my own faith development.  I don't understand it for it truly is a mystery.  Yet, why should I question?  Your spirit brings mystery all the time.  If I spend all my minutes trying to figure out the ins and outs of faith, then I shall miss the movement of your gentle spirit who just wants me to experience the wondrous beauty of a life together.

O God,
how blessed
I am
to be
in your company.
How good
it is
that you
allow me
to walk
with you.
Thank you
for the gift
of St. Francis,
for his
extraordinary love
and unending faith.
As I
sit here today
reflecting upon
my own faith,
I give thanks
because I
acknowledge once again
the magnificence
of your
living presence
in the world.
Praise to you
and glory
be to
your name.

Love, Andrea