Friday, February 3, 2017

Dear God,

He stands quietly in the cold, a statue of St. Francis.  His presence brings calm and joy.

It was a poster of Assisi on the wall of a retreat center that inspired me to go to Italy on my clergy renewal leave.  I began reading books on St. Francis of Assisi.  I listened to his story and found myself wanting to know more.  I signed up for a ten-day retreat in Assisi to meet this man who surrendered his whole self to you in service to others.  His tender spirit and ardent devotion touched and challenged me and my faith.

During that life-altering leave, I learned so much.  The incredible mystical moments filled me with an uncommon love for this man who trusted you every moment until his death in 1226.  I gaze upon him now as he stands alert in the snow-covered ground and I feel his devotion and your call for greater faith in me.

Holy God,
cleanse me
of all unrighteousness.
Make me
a clean vessel
for faith.
Help me learn
from St. Francis.

Love, Andrea