Last week we reflected on how poverty, in the religious sense, is rooted in trusting God to provide for our needs. Francis firmly believed this, and many moments in his life demonstrate that trust.   

One such moment occurred when Francis was praying in the small church of San Damiano, just outside Assisi. As he knelt before the crucifix, Francis heard it speaking to him. The voice said, “Francis, go and repair my house, which you see is falling down.” Francis understood those words literally, believing he was being asked to repair the dilapidated church building around him. Obediently, he began to collect funds for the repairs. He took a horse and cart, loaded it with rich cloth from his father’s warehouse, and sold the entire load along with the horse and cart themselves.   

When Francis attempted to give the proceeds to the poor priest at San Damiano, the priest refused the gift out of fear of Francis’ wealthy father.  Undeterred, Francis left the money on a windowsill and continued on his way. 

In this act, Francis demonstrated extraordinary trust. He believed that the Lord was providing a means to accomplish the mission given to him. Although we know that this was not Francis’ true mission, the trust it took was still remarkable. The consequences of this decision would soon alter the course of his life in dramatic ways.  

This week, let us consider how readily we respond to God’s call. May we trust Him enough to act in obedience, even when we do not yet fully understand the mission He has placed before us.