What Spiritual Practice Did St. Francis Emphasize Preaching?

Embracing Simplicity: The Spiritual Practice of St. Francis

Ah, St. Francis of Assisi, the medieval maverick who ditched his life of luxury for one clad in the cloak of poverty. His radical lifestyle shift wasn’t an early-life crisis but a devout, burning passion to emulate the life of Christ in absolute simplicity and loving kindness. But what exactly was the spiritual practice that St. Francis fervently preached and practiced? Let’s dive deep into the heart of his teachings.

Living the Gospel through Actions

At the core of St. Francis’s teachings was the idea that actions speak louder than words. He firmly believed and taught that living according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ didn’t require grand gestures or flamboyant preaching but rather, a simple, humble existence that radiated love, compassion, and a deep respect for all of God’s creation.

The Pillars of Franciscan Spirituality

Let’s break down the spiritual practice that St. Francis not only preached but lived by:

• Embracing Poverty: St. Francis took the vow of poverty seriously. No jesting around here! He saw it as a means to strip away the distractions of material wealth, allowing one to focus entirely on the pursuit of spiritual wealth. By living in poverty, Francis and his followers (known as Franciscans) sought to experience the world as Christ did, relying on the kindness of others, and finding joy in the simple things in life.

• Universal Brotherhood: Francis believed that all creatures are part of God’s creation and thus, should be treated with respect and love. This includes Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, and Sister Water. Sounds like a family reunion, right? Well, to Francis, it really was. He preached that by acknowledging our kinship with nature, we foster a sense of gratitude and stewardship for the environment.

• Compassionate Outreach: Knock, knock. Who’s there? Just Francis and his posse, practicing what they preach. Francis placed a heavy emphasis on serving the poor, sick, and marginalized. He didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the walk – mixing with lepers, washing their wounds, and providing comfort to those shunned by society. For Francis, following Christ meant having a heart that breaks for what breaks God’s heart.

Why St. Francis’s Teachings Resonate Today

Why, in our high-speed, tech-driven, consumer-centric world, do the simple teachings of a medieval saint from Italy still tug at our heartstrings? Perhaps it’s precisely because our lives are so cluttered with the superfluous that the art of living simply as preached by St. Francis presents a breath of fresh air.

In a way, Francis was the original minimalist, avant-garde environmentalist, and a pioneer in social outreach – advocating for sustainable living, compassionate care, and an attitude of gratitude long before these became hashtags and social movements. His invitation to live a life unencumbered by excess, grounded in gratitude and compassion, transcends religious boundaries, offering a timeless model for personal and collective transformation.

Taking a Leaf Out of St. Francis’s Book

Alright, it’s not likely that we’re all going to ditch our day jobs, throw our iPhones into the river, and roam the countryside preaching love and peace (tempting as it may sound). However, incorporating a dash of Franciscan simplicity into our jam-packed lives might just be the antidote to the chronic case of ‘busy’ we all seem to suffer from.

Whether it’s taking time to appreciate the natural beauty around us, extending a helping hand without expecting something in return, or choosing to live more sustainably, St. Francis’s teachings offer a blueprint for living more meaningful, fulfilled lives. After all, in the words of the saint himself, “it is in giving that we receive.” Now, that’s a principle worth preaching, don’t you think?