On October 3, 1226, Francis of Assisi died just outside of the Portiuncula Chapel in the Umbrian Valley – which today is about a 20 minute bus ride from the town walls of Assisi. Francis’ journey from his earthly life to his heavenly one with God is known as the Transitus and is celebrated on October 3. Francis’ feast day takes place the next day.
Francis’ life story is well known. The man lived to imitate Christ Jesus in every possible way. He gave up family connections, wealth, and status and became a man of the Earth – possessing virtually nothing while knowing that the Lord God would always take care of him.
Francis followed God’s will. He did not care for accolades or fame. The spiritual power of his way of life spoke louder than any public relations campaign could today. Francis had no hidden agenda. He did what God called him to do and people noticed.
Francis of Assisi before
Sultan Melek-el-Kamel
This is why his spirit endures today; and it does so in many different ways. Men and women continue to be attracted to the Franciscan way of life. Many become professed religious, realizing that God has called them to this life and that it is one of great satisfaction. Others embody the Franciscan spirit as lay people; they marry, form families and do their best to live simply and to follow Jesus.
Another work by Giotto - St. Francis in front of the San Damiano Cross, praying
Francis of Assisi’s simple life flies in many ways counter to our approach to life today. Magazines with photos of unnaturally skinny women pressure both women and girls to diet severely and become unhealthy. The idea of being true to oneself seems irrelevant. Countless reality TV and talk shows flash images of persons craving fame for the sake of fame into our living rooms. These persons often demean themselves and others only so that we – the public - might know their names.
A Franciscan allegory by Giotto: Francis marries Lady Poverty
With the Transitus and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we have an opportunity to take stock of our own approach to life. Are we serving our Lord God, living simply and lovingly or has blind ambition torn us from a life of community and faith? Perhaps this is even a question that we could keep in the back of our mind throughout the entire year.
