Previously, we described the challenge of humility.
On this day when we remember the crucifixion of Jesus and his deep humility, it might be helpful to remember someone who strove to imitate Christ’s humility. Francis of Assissi (b.1182 – d.1246) was founder of the Franciscan movement that swept across Europe in the 13th century. Francis left behind his family wealth after a dream from God and encounters with God that filled him with love and convinced him to follow the way of poverty. He began to minister to the poor and at one point he went to a local lepers’ house and asked forgiveness for despising them, gave them all some money and kissed each one on the mouth. Later, he spent two years nursing lepers and living in poverty. Many people in the town thought he was mad and they mocked and ridiculed him.
Soon others began following him and eventually there were “Franciscans” all over Europe, renouncing their possessions, living in poverty and ministering to the poor and preaching the gospel in the cities as well as the countryside. Choosing not to be monks, they rejected the walls of the monastery in favor of bringing the kingdom to all. In The Little Flowers of St. Francis we have accounts of Francis’ ministry and one of the accounts highlights Francis’ attitude towards his fame.
“Brother Masseo went to meet him, as he wanted to find out how humble he was, and he said to St. Francis, half jokingly: “Why after you? Why after you? Why after you?”
St. Francis replied: “What do you mean, Brother Masseo?”
“I mean, why does all the world seem to be running after you, and everyone seems to want to see you and hear you and obey you? You are not a handsome man. You do not have great learning or wisdom. You are not a nobleman. So why is all the world running after you?”
On hearing this, St. Francis rejoiced greatly in spirit, and he raised his face toward heaven and stood for a long time with his mind absorbed in God.
Coming back to himself, he genuflected and praised and gave thanks to God. Then with great fervor of spirit he turned to Brother Masseo and said: “You want to know why after me?” “You want to know why after me?” “You really want to know why everyone is running after me?” I have this from the all-holy eyes of God that see the good and the evil everywhere. For those blessed and all-holy eyes have not seen among sinners anyone more vile or insufficient than I am. And so in order to do that wonderful work which He intends to do, He did not find on earth a viler creature, and therefore He chose me.”[1]
We find in Francis’ life a striking obedience to the instruction “Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited” (Rom. 12:16, NIV). On the Cross Jesus gave us the ultimate model of humility.
Next week: practical tips for deeper humility.
[1] Brother Ugolino, The Little Flowers of St. Francis, trans. Raphael Brown (Garden City, N. Y.: Image,1958), 62-63.
