What is Franciscanism
Franciscanism is looking into the face of Jesus and saying, like in the song, “Getting to know you; getting to know all about you; getting to love you; getting to hope you love me.”
Franciscanism is our conscious and deliberate movement towards Jesus in this our work-a-day world. It is moving towards him to the point where he becomes a part of our morning, our afternoon and our night and our enjoyment in everything we do. Jesus becomes part of us in the sky and the sea; in the trees and the grass and in sunshine, star shine and moonlight. We see him in the rain and know him in the winds and the fragrances of flowers; we find Him in the satisfaction of music and the laughter of people — yes, and in their tears and cries of pain; we feel his presence where a dog is barking and wagging his tail, and where birds are singing and nesting; when a bus load of people go by or an airplane flies overhead and when we come upon foot prints in the sand. It is to know him to the point where we can say to Him, “Jesus, do you smell that coffee and that bacon cooking?” It is where we can say “Jesus” with confidence when we are in pain or our feelings are hurt or in a million other sad and happy things. Jesus, I know you are here — here at home, and in my neighbor’s home, and in those ghetto homes, and in the tin shacks of the very poor — yes, and in the mansions of the rich.
I can see you in all these things, Jesus — you, who by choice, was born poor among the poor.
Franciscanism is our awakening, and our growing awareness of, and our closing in on Christ in everything we see, hear or feel and everything we say, think or do.
St. Paul put it simply, “Put on Christ.” It’s a full-time occupation.