St. Francis of Assisi wanted a gospel way of living in its simplicity and naivety. The Church has no future without St. Francis (St. Francis stands as a synonym for the Gospel). Centuries ago, St. Francis went to Rome to meet the Pope. Pope Honorius III was known for his audacity. Francis asks permission to live the gospel with its simplicity, naivety, and rawness. Pope Honorius had moments of self-reflection; he had tears in his eyes.
Centuries later, the present pope took the name, ‘Francis’. There had been almost half a dozen Franciscan popes in history, no one dared to take this name; they could not take upon themselves the obligation of being called ‘Francis’. Today one of the most loved persons across the globe is Pope Francis. This name has become relevant again. It is the right time for us Franciscans to be alive again. We must contribute to this upsurge. We have the gospels. Each gospel is how each gospel writer saw the gospel; it is according to them. We must also write a gospel. The written gospels are the springboards from which our gospels must spring up.
Young Francis was inspired and caught up with the gospel. He was drawn; but at the same time confused. Once after hearing the gospel in a church, he went to the sacristy and asked the old priest, “Is the gospel ‘an ideal form of living’ or is it ‘a mandate for living’?” The priest was caught in the gap between his life and the gospel. But later with honesty and courage the priest said, the gospel is a mandate for living. If it is an ideal form of living, a lot of compromise will take place. If it is a mandate for living there is no escape.
Notes taken during my annual retreat, preached by Bobby Jose Kattikad, Capuchin.
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