After receiving the vision on the road to Apulia, Francis did as he was instructed and returned to Assisi. Given his longing for glory, he may have expected that God would soon call him to a greater battle, one in which he could distinguish himself and become the hero he hoped to be. 

Instead, Francis devoted himself to solitude and prayer. God had promised to reveal the “new knighthood” that awaited him, and Francis was determined not to miss that call. 

This period of waiting was itself an act of trust. Conversion takes time, as does learning to recognize the voice of God, and both require prayer. Without an ongoing relationship and communication with God, it is impossible to discern His will. As Francis embraced solitude and sought holiness, his trust deepened that God would, in time, show him the way. 

Like Francis, each of us is attached to certain things in the world. God was gradually loosening his attachment to worldly pursuits, but this transformation required prayer and solitude. While we may not be able to withdraw to caves as Francis did, we can still set aside a place and time to be alone with God. Such moments of solitude and prayer lead us toward holiness and allow us to hear God’s voice more clearly. 

This week, let us make room for silence and prayer in our lives. By stepping away from distractions, even briefly, we open our hearts to God’s guidance and grow in trust as He leads us toward holiness.