St. Francis of Assisi

Francis was as much subject to self-doubt as any of us. His motives were purified in prayer; his ego became right-sized there.

It is true that St. Francis, with his whole heart, wanted to imitate his Lord and Master.

It is our Christian belief that when Christ, the Incarnate Word, came to dwell among us, we entered a whole new era of God’s saving presence in our world.

Peace is a gift from God. Human actions that cooperate with God’s grace activate peace in the world.

Francis always mentioned humility in the same breath with poverty.

The path into this discovery of self is the cross. The cross is a mirror. In seeing myself in that mirror, I see Christ crucified, and in seeing Christ crucified, I see my most authentic self.