Into Glory

Yesterday evening during the celebration of the Transitus of our holy Father, St. Francis of Assisi, a passage from St. Bonaventure’s account of his death was read. His final words, like his whole life, run in the same vein as those of Christ. Francis’ exhortation, “I have done what was mine to do. May Christ teach you what is yours”, seem to image the words of Jesus, “It is finished” - and the exclamation of St. Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7). The entry of St. Francis into eternal glory is a verification of the supreme beauty of the Christian life! His passage into the life of heaven is the ultimate affirmation that living the Gospel is THE way of being conformed to Christ, to experiencing in one’s person “the love which is God.” In his letter to the entire order, Francis cries: “hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves, that He Who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally!” What a great exhortation for all who desire to enter into the joy of the Lord! A Happy Feast Day to ALL!