Introduction
For centuries, the Catholic church has remained a leader in merciful acts toward alleviating the suffering of humankind. Their belief is anchored in the biblical teachings, which command that they should add an action for their faith to be evident. As Christians celebrate their new life in Jesus after baptism, they must continually be charitable towards others who lack basic needs (Kreeft, 2011). St. Francis of Assisi lived as an arrogant child until God visited him through illness and a vision at night. Upon his conversion, St. Francis lived a life of giving his services, belongings, and time to help human beings that were suffering. Although St. Francis was an undisciplined child and young adult, after receiving salvation, he exemplified Christian humanism by despising his material possession, enduring persecution from his father, building the church, and giving service and commodities to the less fortunate.
St. Francis’ Life and Beliefs
St. Francis believed that Christians could follow a humanistic life when they internalize the mercy of Jesus and make him the central figure in their Christian life. Francis sold all his possessions and threw the money outside the window because he felt such wealth was like dust. His uttermost desire was to grow in faith by gaining wisdom more valuable than gold and understanding that a treasure (Parker, 2012). Notably, by the time he was throwing away money, he was only a new convert, and giving was not at the top of his priority list. St. Francis desired to live a Chris-like life, which is why he succeeded in his humanism endeavors.
Despite persecution by his close family members, St. Francis never kept a grudge or hatred in his heart. Francis’ father searched for his son following the conversion, and after discovering his whereabouts, he gathered friends and neighbors to find him for an ill purpose (Celano, 2000). However, St. Francis was well prepared and hid in a pit. He was crying and praying that the Lord would be merciful to his father, and after one month of the secret life, he found an abundance of joy. The harsh conditions in the pit had wasted his body such that people reproached him. However, he turned a deaf year to all the curses and desired that he should serve.
The humility and determinism of St. Francis helped him grow in the Knowledge of God and service to humanity. When his father continued with his violence, Francis decided to give back everything by stripping himself naked and going to the bishop of Assisi (Celano, 2000). The man of God saw the passion of God in St. Francis, took him in, and started to mentor him. Francis ensured that he complied with all the teachings before offering his complete service. Thus, the ultimate humanism is anchored in Christ and not human efforts.
As an appreciation for God’s hand in giving him freedom from his carnal father, he built a house of God. Specifically, St. Francis decided to repair the existing church and restore it to its initial glory, just like Nehemiah did the broken walls of Jerusalem. The strongest and most pressures stone of that place of worship was St. Claire because she had lived a sacrificial life that Francis adored (Celano, 2000). As observed throughout his ministry, St. Francis understood that the only way to serve man was by doing the work of God. He knew that no person could lay any other foundation that is an icon pillar aside from Jesus.
St. Francis followed the Catholic doctrine of God’s providence and the role of man in God’s creation. The belief is that man is the lowest among the Spiritual beings but the highest among the animals (Kreeft, 2011). People should show direction, depict humanism, and not act cruelly. St. Francis tried to live up to this doctrine by following simple routines like praying before eating, wishing others well, serving, and helping all people. He was selfless in all his endeavors and would give his last coin to alleviate the suffering of others. Moreover, Francis tried to live a holy life because he knew that venial and mortal sin would cause the soul to deteriorate and eventually die.
Conclusion
In summary, the life of St. Francis after conversion exemplifies Christian humanism in his doctrine and action. He did not hold the wealth and possessions he had dear; rather, he decided to sell all and throw away the money. He even returned everything, including his clothes, to his carnal father. Despite gross persecution and inhuman treatment St. Francis cried and pleaded with God to save those who were mean toward him. He believed in and pursued the centrality of Christ in serving humanity. When he was mature in wisdom and understanding, he rebuilt the church, gave service to people, and sacrificially met their needs.
References
Celano, T. (2000). Thomas of Celano’s first life of St Francis of Assisi. Society for Promoting Christian.
Kreeft, P. (2011). Catholic Christianity: A complete catechism of Catholic beliefs based on the catechism of the Catholic Church. Ignatius Press.
Parker, K. L. (2012). Your grown-up faith: Blending the three elements of belief.