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The Lord gave to me, Brother Francis, thus to begin to do penance; for when I was in sin it seemed to me very bitter to see lepers, and the Lord Himself led me among them and I showed mercy to them. And when I left them, that which had seemed to me bitter was changed for me into sweetness of body and soul. - Testament
The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi: Part I. Admonitions, Rules, etc.: VI. Testament of the Holy Father St. Francis
This theme of the bitter becoming sweet is an optimism we can carry as we all continue on the journey of transformation in Christ. For me, there is so much in life that seems bitter. and rather than embracing it, I shun it. Just like may share of the cross Jesus tells us we must pick up and carry. And I don't need to go looking for crosses, what is bitter. It is the nature of life that so much naturally comes our way. and it seem to me that the Lord blesses us so often with what is sweet that we feel entitled to it and expect it.
But then:
But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say, when he comes in from the field, "Come immediately and sit down at the table," and will not rather tell him, "Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me, while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink"? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not. Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, "We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty." — Luke 17:7-10
This seems to me a Christian Stoicism we should try to remember. Life is not about what we like. It is about being a servant in a larger loving divine plan that we do not always understand or like. And yet when we embrace even that, there is hope of sweetness.
The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi: Part I. Admonitions, Rules, etc.: VI. Testament of the Holy Father St. Francis
This theme of the bitter becoming sweet is an optimism we can carry as we all continue on the journey of transformation in Christ. For me, there is so much in life that seems bitter. and rather than embracing it, I shun it. Just like may share of the cross Jesus tells us we must pick up and carry. And I don't need to go looking for crosses, what is bitter. It is the nature of life that so much naturally comes our way. and it seem to me that the Lord blesses us so often with what is sweet that we feel entitled to it and expect it.
But then:
But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say, when he comes in from the field, "Come immediately and sit down at the table," and will not rather tell him, "Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me, while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink"? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not. Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, "We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty." — Luke 17:7-10
This seems to me a Christian Stoicism we should try to remember. Life is not about what we like. It is about being a servant in a larger loving divine plan that we do not always understand or like. And yet when we embrace even that, there is hope of sweetness.
