The son of Pietro di Bernardone, Francesco, wanted to be a soldier when he grew up, and he got his wish. In the year 1202 he took part in a war between Assisi and Perugia, was captured and held prisoner for about a year, and upon his release, became seriously ill. Finally recovered, Francesco tried to join the Papal forces in a war against Emperor Frederick II but in a dream he was told to return to his home in Assisi and wait for further “orders.” Francesco didn’t have an easy life as a young man, but then God knew his heart, not just his military record. It was in a time of prayer that Francis encountered the living presence of the Risen Christ, and the young man’s life changed forever…as did the world from his gentle spirit and his commitments to live as his Lord lived.
St. Francis of Assisi found his life when he gave it away. In his transformation from soldier to saint, he changed the world. Extraordinary? Yes, but you and I can make a difference, too. Perhaps not as profound as Francis, but to bring joy to one person today, to offer forgiveness or reconciliation to someone, to take the extra step to be helpful, all from the heart of Christ, is to change the world in that moment. Francis left behind a very public and famous legacy when he died in 1226. But fame and legacy were not his goals. He just wanted to be like Christ.
The legacy is in the love we share. The fame is in the faith we live. The blessing is in the offering of our own brokenness so that the Risen Christ can take the pieces and build the Kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Don’t wait for a dream or a vision or a voice. Trying being Christ for one day in everything you say, everything you think, everything you do. Be intentional. What better day than today?
Shining Spirit 
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