Poverty
Dear Friends,
Last month, I visited Assisi, and after praying at the main sites, my group went to the Eremo delle Carceri, a sanctuary nestled in the dense forest of Mount Subasio about 4 kilometers from the town. The small buildings there enclose the caves where Francis and his first companions would withdraw for weeks at a time to fast and pray. As we descended the narrow passage to the confined rocky places where he slept and prayed, I reached out my hand to touch the stone and felt its coldness.
Kneeling at the small altar, the words of Francis’ canticle of the
sun echoed in my heart: “Praised be to you, my Lord” in all of
creation, “in every kind of weather through which you give
sustenance to Your creatures.” Francis chose to expose himself fearlessly
to the elements, embracing his existential poverty. In contrast to
countless offers of commodities for our health and well-being, with the
promise of achieving inner peace, his life preaches another way—letting go.
Perhaps the first verse of his canticle can help us lift our eyes
and hearts in trust, when we experience realities beyond our control:
“O most High, almighty, good Lord God, to you belong praise, glory,
honor, and all blessing! Praised be my Lord God with all creatures.”
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
Yours in the heart of Jesus,
Glory Darbellay
