FMDM ASSISI CHAPTER OF MATS 25th Jan 8th Feb 2017

Transcription

1 IN THE FOOTPRINTS OF JESUS (Cathy Tisel Nelson) Refrain May we follow in the footprints of Jesus Christ as we make our way to You. Inwardly cleansed and enlightened, on fire with the Spirit, may we follow in the footprints of Jesus. 1. Feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, setting the prisoners free. Bringing Your justice to all the earth, to all the earth. 2. Friend to the stranger, hope for the hopeless, caring for all those in need. Bringing Your justice to all the earth, to all the earth. 3. Simple our living, few our possessions, trusting in You for our needs. May we remember how we are called to serve You all our days. 4. With living waters you have refreshed us; now we are filled with Your fire. May we have courage, wisdom and grace, to do Your will I God. 5. As we move forward into the future, led by Your Spirit, O God, grant us a vision, show us the way that brings us all to You. NB: Reflections adapted from Pilgrim s Companion to Franciscan Places compiled by Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs 28 FMDM ASSISI CHAPTER OF MATS 25th Jan 8th Feb 2017 REFLECTIONS, READINGS AND SONGS

2 FRANCIS AND CLARE S ASSISI The births, lives and deaths of Francis and Clare occurred in Assisi.. Assisi is, in the words of many writers: a city on a hill that cannot be hidden...a holy city...a mystical city par excellence...an enchanted city...a house of God...a citadel of the Spirit a city of light...a town of peace and love...an oasis...a fountain of grace a centre of inner renewal and healing...a little city of the soul...the capital of love...an affair of the heart. Assisi has its rare fascination. It is endowed with a world of artistic works. The picturesque, old city is set in an enchanting landscape. It is a centre of most unusual beauty of every sort, but that same beauty could be a distraction from an awareness of the mysterious secret lying behind so much splendour of colour and golden sunlight.assisi is charged with the custody of St Francis and St Clare s spirits, which pervade the very air and become almost tangible in its sanctuaries. To discover and make one s own that secret, is certainly a worthy aspiration on the part of anyone coming to the Seraphic city. MY GOD AND MY ALL (John Michael Talbot) My God and my all I should like to love You and give You my heart and give You my soul. And so I will yearn for You In the depths of Your passion Show me the way to love Show me the way to give my life for You. Show me the way to love. Then we will surely rise To fly like an eagle through the wind. To find in Your dying Lord We both shall live again So fly. So I will weep with You In the depths of Your passion. I will not be ashamed To travel the world Weeping out loud for love Weeping out loud for joy. Show me the way to love Show me the way to give my life for You Show me the way to love Then we will surely rise. BLESSING OF ST CLARE (Cathy Tisel Nelson) REFELCTION: Sit in one of the piazzas or on a street corner and let your spirit and imagination soar. Picture Francis and Clare by looking at the faces of Assisians to discover their faces. As you orientate yourself to the geography of Assisi, reflect on finding your orientation in life, both in the past and now, as you begin this inner and outer journey in Assisi. 2 May you always be with God wherever you may be and may God be with you always. May you always be with God wherever you may be and may God be with you always. Always be lovers of your souls, and the souls of your sisters and brothers, and always be eager to observe what you have promised to God. Amen x3 27

3 Sacred Creation (Rufino Zaragosa) Refrain Sacred the land, sacred the water, sacred the sky, holy and true. Sacred all life, sacred each other; all reflect God who is good. 1. All praise be yours through Brother Sun, bearing a likeness of you, Most High One. Sister Moon and Stars who are precious, splendid, ride your glorious sky. 2. Brother Wind and Air that pervades, vary their moods to sustain all you've made. Sister Water, useful and pure, lowly, freely sharing her life. 3. Through Brother Fire you brighten the night, strong and robust yet playful and bright. Sister Earth, our mother who nurtures, feeding, yielding flower and herb. Final Refrain Sacred the land, sacred the water, sacred the sky, holy and true. Sacred all life, sacred each other; all reflect God who is good; all reflect God, all reflect God. THE LEGEND OF THE THREE COMPANIONS 7 A few days after he returned to Assisi; one evening his friends elected him as lord so that, according to his whim, he would pay their expenses. He made arrangements for a sumptuous banquet, as he had done many times. When they left the house bloated, his friends walked ahead of him, singing throughout the city. Holding in his hand the sceptre of his office as lord, he fell slightly behind them. He was not singing, but was deeply preoccupied. Suddenly he was visited by the Lord, who filled his heart with so much tenderness, that he was unable to speak or move. He could only feel and hear this marvellous tenderness; it left him so estranged from any sensation that, as he himself said later, even if he had been completely cut to pieces, he could not have moved. When his companions looked back and saw him so removed from them, they went back surprised at seeing him already changed into another man. They asked him: What were you thinking about that you did not follow us? Were you perhaps thinking about taking a wife? He answered in a lively voice: You are right! I was thinking about taking a wife more noble, wealthier, and more beautiful than you have ever seen. They laughed at him. For he did not say that by himself, but because he was inspired by God. In fact, the bride was the true religion that he later embraced, a bride more noble, richer and more beautiful than the others, because of her poverty

4 CHIESA NUOVA The present church of Chiesa Nuova was built in 1619 by Philip III of Spain supposedly on the site of the house of Pietro Bernadone, where Francis spent his early childhood, but this is contested. Francis left home to go to war against Perugia. He dreamt of military victory, and of becoming a magnificent knight. In 1206 Pietro Bernadone imprisoned Francis for selling his precious cloth. Lady Pica, his mother, set him free. His father s shop, at street level, was where Francis encountered a beggar. The merchant class was on the rise. In a real sense Francis family background directed him to mercantile spirituality: Do ut des, that is, I give so that you may give in return. Money was given to the poor, so that God s favour may be given to the donor. We understand more than ever, the importance of family relationships in the development of one s person and life of faith. Francis was deeply influenced by his relationship with his father and mother. Reconciliation was a critical element in Francis spirituality. Although there is no proof of such an event, one wonders about the possibility of reconciliation between Francis and his father, Pietro. THIS IS HOLY GROUND (Christopher Beatty) This is Holy ground, we re standing on Holy ground, For the Lord is present and where God is, is Holy. This is Holy ground, we re standing on Holy ground, For the Lord is present and where God is, is Holy. These are holy hands, God s given us Holy hands, God works through these hands and so these hands are Holy. These are holy hands, God s given us Holy hands, God works through these hands and so these hands are Holy. These are Holy lips, God s given us Holy lips, God speaks through these lips and so these lips are Holy. These are Holy lips, God s given us Holy lips, God speaks through these lips and so these lips are Holy. CLARE THE LIGHT (Frances Teresa Downing OSC) Refrain: O come with us and sing To honour Christ our Light Who robed the Lady Clare With radiant glory bright. Christ became the Way for us Which Francis showed to Clare, And she taught us how to find His footprints everywhere. REFLETION: Reflect on your own family origins and story and the part they have played in bringing you to this moment on your journey. Are there elements in our own family or Congregational history that are in need of reconciliation? 4 Clare was called when heard the Word Which Francis preached abroad, She left her home, her wealth, her all To follow Christ her Lord. 25

5 FRANCIS PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE Most High and Glorious God Bring light to the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, certain hope and perfect charity. Give me insight and wisdom So I might always discern Your holy and true will. CANTICLE OF THE SUN (Marty Haugen) Refrain The heavens are telling the glory of God, And all creation is shouting for joy! Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field, And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord! Praise for the sun, the bringer of day, he carries the light of the Lord in his rays; the moon and the stars who light up the way unto your throne Praise for the wind that blows through the trees, the seas' mighty storms, the gentlest breeze; they blow where they will, they blow where they please to please the Lord! Praise for the rain that waters our fields, and blesses our crops so all the earth yields; from death unto life her mystery revealed springs forth in joy! Praise for the fire who gives us his light, the warmth of the sun to brighten our night; he dances with joy, his spirit so bright, he sings of you! Praise for the earth who makes life to grow, The creatures you made to let your life show; The flowers and trees that help us to know The heart of love. Praise for our death that makes our life real, The knowledge of loss that helps us to feel; The gift of yourself, your presence revealed To lead us home. 24 THE LEGEND OF THE THREE COMPANIONS 2 Francis grew up quick and clever, and he followed in his father s footsteps by becoming a merchant. In business, however, he was very different from Pietro, being far more high-spirited and open-handed. He was intent on games and songs; and day and night he roamed about the city of Assisi with companions of his own age. He was a spendthrift, and all that he earned went into eating and carousing with his friends. For this his parent often remonstrated with him saying, that in squandering such large sums on himself and others, his style of living made him appear not so much their son, as the son of some great prince. However, being rich and loving him tenderly, they allowed him free rein in order to avoid displeasing him. When the Lady Pica heard the neighbours commenting on her son s extravagance, she answered: What do you think my son will be? Through grace he will become a son of God. 5

6 SAN RUFINO Francis and Clare were baptised in this cathedral. Also baptised here were Leo, Bernardo, Giles, Elias, Peter Catanio, Sylvester and Rufino, among the first companions. Francis preached here on a number of occasions. Clare may have heard him, which would have influenced her conversion journey. Clare s family home was very near the cathedral. Clare worshipped here on Palm Sunday 1212, and later that night she journeyed to the Portiuncula to join Francis. Francis and Clare s baptism in San Rufino, reminds us of our own immersion into the full paschal mystery of Christ the Lord. Clare s spiritual life was nurtured at the Cathedral of San Rufino. She came to be known as a woman of prayer, penance, fasting and love for the poor, even while she lived in her family home. Francis responded to this, and saw in Clare the strength to be a new leader of women. She becomes the New Woman of the valley of Spoleto. THOMAS CELANO, FIRST LIFE 91 At one time, the blessed and venerable father Francis, with worldly crowds gathering eagerly every day to hear and see him, sought out a place of rest and secret solitude, desiring to free himself for God, and shake off any dust that clung to him from the time spent with the crowds. It was his custom to divide the time given him to merit grace and, as seemed best, to spend some of it to benefit his neighbours and spend the rest in the blessed solitude of contemplation. He took with him only a few companions who knew his holy way of living better than others so that they could shield him from the interruption and disturbance of people, respecting and protecting his silence in every way.. REFELCTION: Francis and Clare complemented each other. How do you see yourself complementing the sisters you live and minister with? Can you recognise your own giftedness to the Congregation? Does my life preach the Gospel? Do my inner and outer realities complement each other and lead me and others towards wholeness and integration (salvation and redemption)? 6 23

7 THE CARCERI Francis spent time in the caves in Monte Subasio. This time, spent in prayer and solitude, was critical in his initial and ongoing conversion process. Francis appealed to Sylvester, living at the Carceri (and Clare at the monastery of San Damiano), to help resolve his dilemma on whether to preach or give himself to a contemplative life. The Carceri brings us face-to-face with solitude. It is in the experience and practice of solitude, that Francis life and the Franciscan movement sank its roots for all time. The development of a regular rhythm of solitude, gives birth to a sense of listening and depth in one s life. REFLECTION: The Carceri is a place where Francis and the brothers went to pray. What is the contemplative aspect of Franciscan life for your/ our expression of the Franciscan Charism as FMDM? Francis was torn between a life of preaching and a life of contemplation. How does his solution serve as a guide for us today as we try to balance busy ministries with time for solitude and prayer? The relationship between the mothers and the sons as expressed in Francis teaching about a life of solitude, suggests a degree of tenderness and intimacy among the early brothers. How does this find expression in your life as an FMDM? THE LEGEND OF ST CLARE 7 Therefore, when Sunday came, the young girl, thoroughly radiant with festive splendour among the crowd of women, entered the Church with the others. Then, something occurred that was a fitting omen: as the others were going to receive the palms, while Clare remained immobile in her place out of shyness, the Bishop, coming down the steps, came to her and placed a palm in her hands. The following night, preparing to obey the command of the saint, she embarked upon her desired flight with an honest company. Since she was not content to leave by way of the usual door, marvelling at her strength, she broke open with her own hands that other door, that was customarily blocked by wood and stone. LOVE HIM TOTALLY WHO GAVE HIMSELF TOTALLY FOR YOUR LOVE. (St Clare of Assisi) 22 7

8 SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE The Bishop s Palace Francis was brought here, before Bishop Guido, to settle a dispute with is father. He stripped naked and renounced his father. Here, Francis had the brothers sing the second last strophe of The Canticle of the Creatures about pardon, thus, reconciling the town s Chief Magistrate and the Bishop. Francis also resided here for a time in 1226 shortly before he died. Nundus nudum Christum sequi Naked to follow the naked Christ is a teaching of St Jerome that was picked up in the Middle Ages, to designate a higher and more rigorous ascent to God. Nudity was also a form of humiliation, canonically expected of the public penitent. Francis stripped himself naked; he stripped himself of the clothing in which he sang, danced, joked, and participated with friends in the world. In doing so, he said no to one life, and took up a life of penance. In stripping and handing over everything to his father, Francis renounced his inheritance. He begins a life totally dependent on God. THOMAS OF CELANO, FIRST LIFE from there, he moved to another place, which is called the Portiuncula, where there stood a church of the Blessed Virgin Mother of God built in ancient times. At that time, it was deserted and no one was taking care of it. When the holy man of God saw it so ruined, he was moved by piety, because he had a warm devotion to the Mother of all goodness, and he began to dwell there continually. One day the Gospel was being read in that same church, about how the Lord sent out his disciples to preach. The holy man of God, who was attending there in order to understand better the words of the Gospel, humbly begged the priest, after celebrating the solemnities of the Mass, to explain the Gospel to him. The priest explained it all to him thoroughly, line by line. When he heard that Christ s disciples should not possess gold or silver or money, or carry on the road a wallet or a sack, nor bread nor a staff, nor to have shoes nor two tunics, but that they should preach the kingdom of God and penance, St Francis, immediately exulted in the spirit of God. This is what I want, he said, this is what I seek, this is what I desire to do with all my heart.... REFLECTION: What is it like to stand naked before another? How does this image speak to our call to embrace our vulnerability? Francis and his father are both from another culture and background to our own. They expressed their emotions openly and readily. How does my own culture shape the way I express my sense of journey and letting go? How does Francis break with his father and with his past speak to you? What significance does this action have in your own life and the life of the Congregation today? 8 21

9 PORTIUNCULA ST MARY OF THE ANGELS Francis rebuilt this tiny chapel, which became the centre of Francis movement. Francis lived with his brothers in small huts around the chapel. Francis sent out brothers two by two to all parts of the world. Here, in 1212, Francis received Clare, then took her to Bastia. General Chapters took place, perhaps twice a year, around this chapel. Thus, it was the scene of important decision making. Francis died here, October The Portiuncula conjures up sentiments and thoughts linked with having a centre, a heart. This place symbolises Francis heart. It invites us to ponder who or what is at the centre of life for us. Formation into a missionary spirit is central to the spirituality of this place. The Portiuncula calls us to a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness: toward ourselves, others, and creation and in our relationship to God. There is perhaps no more powerful theme in all of Scripture. THOMAS OF CELANO, FIRST LIFE Then he led the son to the bishop of the city to make him renounce, into the bishop s hands, all possessions and return everything that he had. Not only did he not refuse this, but he hastened with great joy to do what was demanded. When he was in front of the bishop, he neither delayed nor hesitated, but immediately took off and threw down all his clothes, and returned them to his father. He did not even keep his pants on, and he was completely stripped naked before all the people. The bishop, observing his frame of mind and admiring his fervour and determination, immediately stood up and drew him into his arms, covering him with the mantle that he was wearing. He clearly understood that this was prompted by God, and he knew that the action of the man of God, which he had personally observed, contained a mystery. After this he became his helper. Cherishing and comforting him, he embraced him in the depths of charity.. REFLECTION: Francis gave birth to, and nurtured, the male and female branches of the Order at Portiuncula. What are you/we called to give birth to at this time in our Congregational journey? The Chapter of Mats, 1221, and other chapters, make Portiuncula a place of decisions. In this setting, can we find inspiration for our own Chapter of Mats here in Assisi? Let us ask Francis and Clare to intercede for us as we desire to incarnate their spirits in today s world as FMDM. 20 9

10 HOUSE OF BERNARD OF QUINTAVALLE Bernard was perplexed by the behaviour and stories of Francis. So he invited Francis to share a meal and spend the night in his house. It was from here that they went, some say to Peter Catanio, to the Church of San Nicolo, to consult the Scripture about their way of life. Bernard, together with Francis, discerned a vocation. It was done in consultation with the Scriptures. REFLECTION: Bernard found credibility in Francis. What makes for credibility in my life and the life of the Congregation? Where are we being called today so that our FMDM way of life is credible and relevant to our world? How does Scripture influence my way of life and how we are moving forward as a Congregation?... THE THIRD LETTER OF ST CLARE TO ST AGNES of PRAGUE So, place your mind in the mirror of eternity, place your soul in the splendour of glory. Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance and, through contemplation, transform our whole self into an image of the Godhead. Do this, so that you, too, may feel what His friends feel on tasting the hidden sweetness, which God has kept from the beginning for those who love Him. And, completely passing over all those things with which an untrustworthy and disturbed world entangles its blind lovers, love totally the One who gave His whole self for your love, the One at whose beauty the sun and moon wonder, the One whose rewards with their value and greatness have no end. I am speaking about the One who is the Son of the Most High, whom the Virgin brought to birth and remained a virgin after His birth. Cleave to His most sweet Mother, who begot such a Son as the heavens cannot contain, and yet, she received Him into the small confines of her holy womb, and she held Him on her young girl s lap

11 SAN DAMIANO AND CLARE While rebuilding this rundown church, Francis foretold that Clare and the Poor Ladies would live here. After living at San Paolo in Bastia and Sant Angelo in Panzo, Clare moved into San Damiano. Approximately fifty women of diverse backgrounds joined Clare at San Damiano, forming the first community of Poor Ladies. Clare turned the Saracens away by holding a pyx containing the Eucharist in full sight of the invading troops. Towards the end of his life, Francis stayed at San Damiano for about fifty days, and Clare ministered to him in his illness. Clare wrote her Rule in consultation with her sisters, and was the first woman to have such a Rule approved by the Church. Clare died here in 1253 surrounded by her sisters. Love was the primary virtue embraced by this group of women. Jesus Christ became the centre of their spirituality. Clare saw her role of abbess as one of being both servant and mother. She called forth the gifts and talents of all her sisters, and included them in key decisions affecting their lives. REFLECTION: How does the contemplative dimension affect your life? Where do you find a place of solitude where you can encounter God without distraction? How do you view authority and leadership today? What can Clare teach us as we discern new forms of leadership in our Congregation? How can we call forth the gifts of all our sisters? How is the virtue of charity expressed in our communities today? 18 THE LEGEND OF THE THREE COMPANIONS As the truth of the man of God s simple teaching and life was becoming known to many, two years after his conversion, some men began to be moved to penance by his example and, renouncing all things, joined him in habit and life. The first among these was Brother Bernard of holy memory. While he knew how luxuriously blessed Francis had lived in the world, he observed his constancy and fervour in God s service, how, in particular, he was labouring to restore ruined churches, and what a harsh life he was leading. He planned, wholeheartedly, to give everything he possessed to the poor, and with determination, to join him in life and habit. Therefore, one day, approaching the man of God in secret, he revealed his plan to him, and arranged to have him come that evening to his home. Thanking God, for he did not then have a companion, blessed Francis was overjoyed, especially since Lord Bernard was a person of great stature. On the appointed evening, blessed Francis came to his house, his heart filled with great joy, and spent the whole night with him. Among other things, Lord Bernard said to him: If, for many years, someone holds on to the possessions, many or few, he has acquired from his lord, and no longer wants to keep them, what is the better thing for him to do with them? Blessed Francis answered that he must give back to the lord what was received from him. And Lord Bernard said: Then, brother, I want to give away all my worldly goods for the love of my Lord who gave them to me, as it seems best to you. The saint told him: Tomorrow, early, we will go the church and, through the book of the Gospels, we will learn how the Lord taught his disciples...this is why blessed Francis said in his Testament: The Lord Himself revealed to me that I should live according to the form of the holy Gospel. 11

12 BASTIA (San Paolo delle Abbadesse) Clare, after leaving her family home on Palm Sunday, March 18, 2012, and having already been received by Francis and the brothers at the Portiuncula, walked three kilometres to this monastery, seeking sanctuary. Here, Clare lived her first days in absolute poverty, having no home with the brothers, no possessions. and no companions with whom to share her dreams. Clare learned many things about living religious life: Dowries provided security; she chose poverty. Authority resided in the role of the abbess; she led her future sisters as servant and handmaid. She learned the formal Liturgy of the Hours; she prayed a simpler prayer that included those that could not read. She lived the Benedictine Rule; she fulfilled her dream of following Francis by composing her own Rule. LEGEND OF THE THREE COMPANIONS 13.while he was walking by the church of San Damiano, he was told in the Spirit to go inside for a prayer. Once he entered, he began to pray fervently before an image of the Crucified, which spoke to him in a tender and kind voice: Francis, don t you see that my house is being destroyed? Go then, and rebuild it for me. Stunned and trembling, he said: I will do so gladly, Lord. For he understood that it was speaking about that church, which was near collapse because of its age. He was filled with such joy and became so radiant with light over that message, that he knew, in his soul that it was truly Christ crucified who spoke to him. Upon leaving the church, he found a priest sitting nearby, and putting his hands into the pouch, he offered him a handful of coins. My Lord, he said, I beg you, buy some oil and keep the light before the Crucified burning continually. When this money is spent, I will again give you as much as you need.. Clare understood the meaning of being a pilgrim and stranger. Within the first month of leaving her family home, she journeyed to three places, and found her home in none of them. RELECTION: When did you receive the call from God to live the way of life you have chosen? What difficulties did you encounter in answering this call? Where is your place of sanctuary where you can review choices, make decisions, and renew your conviction to live your vocation? How free are you to move on to another place, if you are not at peace where you currently are in life? 12 17

13 SAN DAMIANO AND FRANCIS In 1205, Francis prayed before the crucifix in this dilapidated wayside church. The sources described well the event of Christ speaking to him from the cross saying: Francis, go rebuild my House. Francis restored this church in 1206, begging stones on the streets of Assisi. In 1212 Francis brought Clare to San Damiano. Francis composed the Canticle of the Creatures here in The role of the cross is central to Francis conversion journey. His experience at San Damiano was critical in this development. San Damiano is closely linked with the reality of rebuilding. A strong Franciscan charism is Rebuilding the Church, with its focus on renewing the people of God. THE LEGEND OF ST CLARE 9 But, as the news reached her relatives, they condemned, with a broken heart, the deed and proposal of the young woman, and, banding together as one, they ran to the place, attempting to obtain what they could not. They employed violent force, poisonous advice, and flattering promises, persuading her to give up such a worthless deed that was unbecoming to her class, and without precedence in the area. But Clare, taking hold of the altar clothes, bared her tonsured head, maintaining that she would, in no way, be torn anymore away from the service of Christ. As the conflict with her relatives grew, so grew her spirit and her love, provoked by injuries, provided strength. So, for many days, even though she endured an obstacle in the way of the Lord, and her own folks opposed her proposal of holiness, her spirit did not collapse and her fervour did not diminish. Instead, in the middle of words and hatred, she moulded her spirit anew in hope, until her relatives, turning back, were quiet... REFLECTION: San Damiano marked the beginning of Francis journey, La Verna its culmination. Can you find seeds of Francis development at San Damiano? What does it mean to you to discover the crucified Christ? Francis set about rebuilding three churches before he realised his call was to rebuild the people of God. What, as FMDM, are we being challenged to rebuild? What are our rebuilding tools? Francis stayed at San Damiano in He was wracked with pain while living in a cell made of mats and infested with mice, which annoyed him day and night. Nevertheless his creativity burst through his pain and he composed his Canticle of the Creatures, the first recognised piece of Italian literature. What does this say about pain in your own life? 16 13

14 RIVO TORTO After Francis and the brothers returned from Rome, having had their way of life approved by Innocent III, in 1209, they set up their initial fraternal life at Rivo Torto, (meaning Crooked Brook) outside Assisi. Francis woke up in the middle of the night to eat with a hungry friar, to help him avoid embarrassment. Brother Giles joined Francis at Rivo Torto. A farmer and his donkey evicted the brothers who then moved on to Portiuncula. This was part of the honeymoon period during the early years of the Franciscan fraternity. One s vision is clear, and the way of simplicity is unencumbered. Murray Bodo wrote: Rivo Torto was the honeymoon of the brothers marriage to Lady Poverty, and the brotherhood never again captured the rapture of those days. REEFLECTION: Rivo Torto invites us to an uncluttered and simple heart how is that invitation speaking to you today? Consider the wisdom of letting go of a cherished practice in order for something new to come to birth within yourself and within the life of the Congregation. Fraternitas was Francis unique insight for living in relationship, the way of the new fool to live the evangelical life. What can our call to Franciscan Evangelical Life and living as sister to one another and all of creation offer to our world today? ASSISI COMPILATION 50 One time in the very beginning, that is, at the time blessed Francis began to have brothers, he was staying with them at Rivo Torto. One night, around midnight, when they were all resting in their beds, one of the brothers cried out, saying: I m dying! I m dying! Scared and frightened all the brothers woke up. Getting up, blessed Francis said: Get up brothers, light a lamp. After the lamp was lit, blessed Francis said: Who was it who said, I m dying? It is I, answered the brother. What do you have, brother? blessed Francis said to him. How is it you are dying.? I m dying of hunger, he said. Blessed Francis, as the man full of charity and discernment he was, so that the brother would not be ashamed to eat alone, immediately had the table set, and they all ate together with him. This brother, as well as the others, had been newly converted to the Lord and afflicted their bodies excessively. After the meal, blessed Francis said to the other brothers: My brothers, I say that each of you must consider his own nature, because, although one of you may be sustained with less food than another, I still do not want one who needs more food to try imitating him in this. Rather, considering his own nature, he should provide his body with what it needs. Just as we must be aware of overindulgence in eating, which harms the body and soul, so we must beware of excessive abstinence even more, because the Lord desires mercy and not sacrifice