Freedom is a wonderful gift from God. It allows us to choose what is good and to respond freely to His call. Yet freedom can also be misused when it is directed toward selfish or sinful ends.
St. Paul reminds us that freedom is not a license to do whatever we please. Rather, it carries responsibilities and limits. True freedom is exercised within the framework of God’s will.
Francis understood this well. As a faithful Catholic founding a new religious community, he knew that the Rule he had written would require approval from the proper authority. That authority was Pope Innocent III. After completing the Rule, Francis and his brothers traveled to Rome to seek an audience with the Holy Father and ask for his approval.
By God’s providence, Bishop Guido of Assisi was in Rome at the time. Bishop Guido greatly respected Francis and the brothers, and he initially feared that they were planning to leave Assisi permanently. Their example had become an important witness to the people of the city, and he was reluctant to lose them. Once he learned the purpose of their visit, however, he rejoiced and pledged his support.
Another advocate emerged in Bishop John of Saint Paul, Bishop of Sabina. Although he had originally encouraged Francis to pursue a monastic vocation, he became convinced that Francis and his companions were called to an active apostolic life and supported their efforts.
After careful consideration, Pope Innocent III approved the Rule and commissioned the brothers to go forth and preach penance. He recognized the potential of the new community and encouraged them to return when the Order had grown so that he could grant them additional privileges and support.
We do not always know how those in authority will respond to our plans, ideas, or hopes. Francis did not know either. Yet he trusted that God would guide the heart of the Holy Father and help set the Franciscan movement on the path God intended.
This week, let us place our trust in God’s guidance, especially when our plans depend on the decisions of others.
