Monday Motivation: Some Definite Service

“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.” -  St. John Henry Newman

"I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice"

The death penalty has unfortunately been a topic of discussion as of late. First, Tennessee tried to execute its first woman in 200 years; there were court orders and stays and back-and-forths, but ultimately, Christa Pike received two lethal injections. And then she lived. And then there was the fallout of reviving a person condemned to death, the trauma imposed on her and those watching, and the discussion of what happens now. It’s been a mess from beginning to almost end.

Then, it was announced that not only would the Fort Hood shooter be executed, but that the firing squad execution would be live-streamed. Even people who generally approve of the death penalty found broadcasting it distasteful. (It now seems like the administration may pull back on this due to backlash.)

The Transitus of St. Francis

Today is the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi. Franciscans observe the day not just as the saint’s feast day but as the Transitus, or passage, celebrating his transition from this life to the next. They believe it is not an end of life but a continuation.

Francis is one of the most famous Christian saints. He was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone into a wealthy family in Assisi in 1181. His father was a silk merchant and was travelling in France when Giovanni was born; he took to calling his son Francis in homage to his commercial success in France. As a youth, Francis helped in his father’s business and hung out with a lavish crowd. Even then, he had a heart for charity; he once gave away his entire purse to a beggar, which resulted in mockery from his friends and anger from his father.

In 1202, Francis joined a military expedition and was taken prisoner. He spent a year as a captive in the village of Collestrada. After his release, he resumed his previous lifestyle. In 1205, he left to reenlist, but on the way, he had a vision that called him to a more religious life. Francis felt called to identify with the poor, saying that he was marrying “Lady Poverty.” He returned to Assisi and avoided the parties and spending of his former friends. He made pilgrimage to Rome.