When Francis was writing the original Rule (there would be a more detailed Rule later, before he died), he wrote, “Let them be lesser…” At that very moment, he said, “I want this fraternity to be called the Order of Lesser Brothers” (we also translate this as the Order of Friars Minor). 

In naming the Order thus, Francis spoke of the mission he envisioned for them. He wanted them to be subject to all, to always seek the lowest position, and to perform duties that many others would consider beneath them or that might cause an affront. Francis believed that this would ground the brothers in true humility. Being humble would in turn ground their spirituality, allowing them to grow in other virtues. 

As with other religious orders, the friars took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These three virtues, if viewed from a worldly perspective, could certainly be seen as making the brothers “lesser.” The world views riches, power, and sensuality as very important. Francis had even been caught up in these things earlier in his own life. God, however, had purified his heart and shown him that living a “lesser” life here on earth would prepare him for the glory of heaven. 

The question has often been asked, “What’s in a name?” Our Christian heritage tells us that a name reveals, to a degree, the essence of a person or a thing. The Lord pointed Francis to the name “lesser brothers.” Francis trusted that the name given to him would reveal the essence of the Order’s purpose, and also remind the brothers exactly who they were meant to be. 

This week, let us consider what names and titles we carry, and ask God to help us live up to the essence they reveal, just as Francis trusted the name given to his brothers.