A Living Alternative

When I consider St. Francis, I am continually amazed at the incredible impact he has had (and still has) on the lives of people, both Christian and otherwise.  Though we can point to his excesses (like his refusal to have any of his followers even touch money or extreme self-impoverishment after the supposed example of Jesus), we must stop to consider why he is widely embraced and is the subject of more books and biographies than any other saint in history (a point made more interesting we recognize that he is also one of the least educated of saints).

St. Francis of Assisi distinguished himself most by his unwavering and unnuanced adherence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  For him, this was summed up best in the Sermon on the Mount, which he followed as though it were written specifically for him to follow as literally as possible.  Again, in the midst of this radical obedience, it is very easy to see his extremes and even mistakes.  However, what cannot be denied is the power and impact that his obedience had on his time and all times since.

It begs the question, then, why do we not abandon ourselves to this kind of reckless faithfulness to the Gospel?  Surely the extremes and mistakes we will most certainly make (no greater than the ones we already make) are a small price to pay in our lives can so powerfully incarnate the love and presence of Christ before a waiting and watching world.  What if we, as communities and individuals, seriously endeavoured to follow the Sermon on the Mount literally, even for only a season?

Of course, my own mind immediate starts asking the question: But what does the Sermon of the Mount actually call us to?  What does it mean?  Are there not many interpretations?  Of course there is legitimacy to some of these question, but St. Francis had little patience for interpretations.  As one his biographers, Leonardo Boff, puts it:

"He knew very well that for the most part the interpretations are but a castration of the strength of the Gospel, and the Gospel was, simply, for him, his formula vitae."

I am deeply challenged by St. Francis example.  To that end I have been examining my own life against the measure of the Gospel and the Sermon on the Mount, and I am shamed by my inadequacy.  However, St. Francis also embodies something unlike so many of the leaders of the monastic movements, his devotion was matched only by his joy and grace.  And so my shame is transformed into hope, excitement and even anticipation.

I do not make this journey lightly, for as I consider the implication of this calling, I know that will inevitably (even essentially) be disruptive.  The people in my life- family, friends and neighbours- cannot avoid being impacted by the direction I am moving in.  I am grateful, however, that I am not making this journey alone.  I am part of a community that longs for this kind of life together, people who inspire me daily.  People like my co-workers.  Most of all, people like my wife.

This is the foundation on which I long to build our "church plant" (an inadequate designation, but it will suffice).  I have been in ministry long enough, lived in community long enough and have called the inner city my home long enough not to be blinded by idealism.  Rather, like St. Francis, I want to carry my idealism into the midst of the very real brokenness of our lives and our world, and with joy, allow Christ to transform us together.



St. Francis Franciscan Missional Sermon On The Mount Jesus