“If your only goal is to love, there is no such thing as failure…” St. Francis of Assisi

According to the Franciscan priest Richard Rohr, Saint Francis offered an alternative way of life that recognized God’s presence in our midst and the sacredness of everything that is.

The lived experience of St. Francis was one of opening to love, and of loving God wholeheartedly through love of all God's creation.

Francis understood “an essential truth about God, that there is no separation between matter and spirit. Knowing our true identity- one with God- frees us from fear of death and allows us to let go of our small self to live more fully as embodied love.” (Rohr)

Rohr encourages us to seek the inspiration of St. Francis through a contemplative way of being, forging connection, rather than judgement. In the sacred realm of relationships we  can explore, find and trust our gifts and use these gifts in the service of others.  

We can create bonds of healing in communion with one another and our community. This requires a willingness to see differently, to awaken to the common thread of our humanity and not turn from suffering but rather to embrace our true calling. 

 Liz Sorensen Wessel
Photo: Huntington Gorge, Vermont-Oct 6, 2016