When Francis’ father demanded that he restore what had been taken, Francis responded calmly. His father had already recovered some of the money from the priest at San Damiano, but Francis maintained that the funds belonged to God and to the poor. His father then required something even more severe: that Francis renounce his inheritance as restitution. 

The scene became dramatic. Pietro brought charges before the city consuls, and eventually the matter was heard by the bishop of Assisi, who ruled that Francis must return the money. 

Francis did not hesitate. Without fear or resentment, he agreed not only to return what was demanded, but to surrender everything. In front of the gathered crowd in the piazza, he removed his clothing and laid it at his father’s feet. Standing naked before them, he declared, “Up until now I have called you father here on earth, but now I say, ‘Our Father, who art in heaven.’”     

The crowd was stunned. His father left in anger and sorrow. Francis, however, was free. Having relinquished every earthly claim, he embraced the poverty he believed God was asking of him. The bishop covered him with his cloak, and the moment became one of the most iconic scenes of his life. From that day forward, Francis’ trust in God deepened still further. 

This week, let us reflect on what we may need to surrender to follow God more fully. May we trust Him enough to let go of whatever binds us and embrace the freedom that comes from relying on our Father in heaven.