Thursday, February 22, 2024

Dear God,

A statue of St. Francis stands just outside my study window.  He holds a bird.  His quiet presence calls me to a faith deeper and deeper each day.  St. Francis gave away his posh life to become a follower of yours.  Today Franciscans care for the poor, fight injustice, give spiritual insight, love the stranger and pray for the world.

It was about a half century ago when a strange monk appeared in my dreams.  Although I did not know his name or his significance, he came often particularly at times of distress.  I found comfort in his presence.  It was about 20 years later that I discovered who he was and what he was about.  I read books and then traveled to Italy even to Assisi to learn more about him and to sit with him in his little town.  He remains with me or maybe it is I who remain with him.

Blessed are those

who follow you,

O God.

Thank you

for St. Francis,

his faith,

his devotion

and his love.

Thank you

for bringing him

to me.

Yours, Andrea