Loyola Marymount University B.A. Religious Studies – RS160: Exploring Christian Mysticism – Fall 1976
In 1976, in one of my first undergraduate courses I had the privilege to study under the guidance of Fr. Herbert Ryan, who had determined that it was foolish to expect undergrads to write position papers on questions that have overwhelmed scholars for centuries. Instead, he believed that it was more important that students learn how to do research, and therefore assigned semester-long research journals, during which the student would actively investigate a chosen subject and then write about the process and progress. At the end of the semester and journal the student would write a single journal entry on how he might approach writing a research paper on the subject studied were he to write said paper. The following research was my submission for RS160: Exploring Christian Mysticism for my Religious Studies degree at Loyola Marymount University. Enjoy. (2023-11-16).
INTRODUCTION
St. Francis was born in the little Umbian village of Assisi in 1182. The son of a cloth merchant, Francis spent his early-years indulging in extravagant clothing and fine feasts. The need for deeper satisfaction in his own life and the needs of the poor soon caught his attention however. Seeing that he could not live in two worlds, Francis gave his life over to Lady Poverty. He then spent the remainder of his life growing in his relationship and understanding of Das Heilige and in portraying as clearly as he could to all people the love of his Master and Savior, Jesus.
October 29
I first went to the new Catholic Encyclopedia and looked up both saints: John of the Cross and Francis of Assisi. St. John of the Cross was recommended to me by a friend. In the end, however, I desired to learn more about Francis of Assisi. I scanned over the biography of him given in the new Catholic Encyclopedia and found that the information given was more than I could realistically handle in any one sitting. With all of this information my curiosity was. raised as; to the life and teachings of this man.
October 30
I stopped by the library to find out if Loyola carried any books written by St. Francis, i.e. Opuscula Scti Francisci Assissi, 3rd edition, Quarrachi, Rome, 1949. I found none.
November 1
Today I began to research the life of St, Francis, I read the introduction to the book The Little Flowers of St. Francis. The editor gave a brief outline of the various events and conflicts in the saint’s life. He also went into the life of the author of the book.
In reading the editors outline I got a glimpse of St. Francis as being a man of high ideals in a world of harsh realities. Being very zealous in his calling he seemed eager to share this zeal with his companions. His companions, on the other hand, are not portrayed as being able to fully recieve his zeal. They seemed very cooperative in word and oath but as time went on the original spirit of the Order dimmed. Francis’ ministry seemed hampered hy controversy not among the people to whom he preached the good news, but to his own companions and spiritual brothers. Nonetheless, at the end of his life he felt that he could say along with Paul the apostle, “I have fought a good fight…”
November 6
Today I read the introduction to a hook entitled The Writings of Saint Francis of Assisi, edited by Fahy and Hermann. The editors spoke of Francis as heing a simple itinerate preacher. His writings were out of necessity more than out of desire. He was an on-the-spot philosopher, speaking out of the situation that he found himself in, rather than a complative sage that dwelt high atop a mountain peak.
November 11
Tonight I read the first twenty-one chapters of St. Francis’ Rule of 1221. This writing gave me the picture of classical franciscan writing: born out of necessity, and centered around our Lord’s commission given to the apostles as recorded in the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. The text of the Rule, as it appears in English, is very simple in its use of the language. The Rule expresses its author’s sincere desire that his friars live more by our Lord’s commission and commandment to love one another than by a stern legalism that dwells in the realm of lofty prose and purple robes.
While exhorting his brothers to live hy the virtues of obedience, poverty, and chastity; he waa also a realist, commanding that they should avoid all situations that would tax their human will (i.e., privately conversing with a women, and so forth). As our Lord Jesus was. so St. Francis was; while maintaining a high spiritual relationship with the Father, Francis was also conscious of the ever-present shortcomings of human nature.
November 10
Last night and today I read St. Francis’ letter to all the faithful. The letter is made up of practical exhortations in keeping to our faith in God and in the Catholic Faith. St. Francis uses quite a few quotes from St. John’s Gospel. Francis portrays Jesus as being the light of God, the full revelation. But not only a light, as in a lumminous glow, but also the source. And it is not as if there are many lights but one light: by which all men must come if they seek to come to the Father.
Saint Francis’ form of mysticism is like St. Paul’s in nature: believing that faith in Jesus is the only way to salvation or Brautmystik. The fact that he holds this form of mysticism explains or gives a reason to why Francis was so zealous in telling others about the blessing of God “through Jesus. That is, if one holds that faith in Jesus is the only was to salvation, one must confess then that lack of faith in Jesus means damnation. So out of love Francis went out to tell mankind of God’s mercy and justice.
In that love which is God (of. 1 Jn.4:16), I, Brother Francis, the least: of your servants and worthy only to kiss your feet, “beg and implore all those to whom this letter comes to hear these words of our Lord Jesus Christ in a spirit of humility and love, putting them into practice with all gentleness and observing them perfectly. Those who cannot read should have them read to them often and keep them ever before their eyes, by persevering in doing good to the lost, because they are spirit and life (Jn.6:64). Those who fail to do this shall be held to account for it before the judgement seat of Christ at the last day. And may God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless those who welcome them and grasp them and send copies to other, if they persever in them to the last (cf. Matt. 10:22). -The Writings of St. Francis p.99
November 13
Today I read St. Francis’ “Praises of God” and his “Canticle of Brother Sun.” In “Praises of God” St. Francis portrays God as being a mighty king or gives him a Fatherly Image. God is pictured as the Provider, the great gardian of the Earth. But God is more than a provider, to Francis he is also the provision; God is the supplier and the supply, we have our being in Him. In the “Canticle of Brother.Sun,” St. Francis calls all creation to praise of our Holy Father in heaven. God is placed along side with our “Brother Sun.” God is the light of the world, the giver of reason and order, the revealer of beauty. To Francis, God is not totally revealed in his creation but even the dim shadowy picture that surrounds us is a call from God to worship and praise the benevolent creator.
After reading St. Francis’ two works I started read The Little Flowers of St. Francis. After reading the first few pages I became dissappointed in the style of writing that was being used. In this book the story of St. Francis* life came off as though it was a faiiy tale.
I then read Rev. S. Baring-Gould*s section on St. Francis in his book The Lives of the Saints. Having some other brief biographies on the Saint, 1 was not suprised by the fact that Francis had no concrete idea of what direction he was going when he first denounced the world. For a great deal of the time he acted on impulse. He knew that he did not want anything to do with the world system, but what he did want was not clear to him until some years later.
It was not until 1208, two years after his conversion, that it dawned on him what it was that he wanted. While listening to the Mass: Francis was struck by the words of the gospel:
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor script for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor yet staves. And as you go, preach saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
After having the priest expound on the words of the gospel, Francis embraced the gospel’s message as God’s personal vocation for himself.
November 16
Today and last night I read T.S.R. Boase’s St. Francis of Assisi. Boase was very factual in his presentation, though holding a more liberal view point than that of Baring-Gould. Nonetheless, through all the bias and rationization the beauty found in the simplicity of the man of Assisi shone through.
November 18
Last night and today I read the beginning chapters of Gilbert Chesterton’s book St. Francis of Assist. Earlier I noted how Thomas Boase’s book was more liberal in its view of St. Francis than Rev. Baring-Gould’s; Well, Chesterton presented an even more liberal view point than either Thomas Boase or Rev. Baring-Gould. Mr. Chesterton presented the situation and environment that surrounded St. Francis rather than the character of Francis himself. The book is very useful in the sense that it attempts to give a clear and concise picture of the society that St. Francis found himself in, as opposed to presenting the virtues of the Saint in an isolated situation.
November 29
Because last week was occupied with putting a paper together for another class I was unable to add any more entries to this journal. In my last entry I wrote about the difference between the three biographers of St. Francis that I had had the opportunity to read: G.K. Chesterton, Rev. Baring-Gould, and T.S.R. Boase. It was an interesting thing in reading the works of these authors that the more liberal the author’s viewpoint on St. Francis, the more he would consentrate on the social climate that Francis found himself then on the character of Francis himself.
At one point T.S.R. Boase writes:
His conversion was, however, no sudden one. Francis was not of those, such as Paul or Augustine, who find in some supernatural event the cataclysmic realization of a change of heart. Francis seems to have come to it rather “by growing thoughtfulness. (St. Francis of Assisi, p.26)
Mr. Boase’s observation presents an interesting question: was St. Francis’ conversion in reality was just the unveiling of his true character or was there an actual change of direction in Francis’ life? In a movie released a few years ago about St. Francis entitled Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Francis is portrayed as going under a real battle with Self, a real “conversion.” But to attempt to discuss whether St. Francis’ conversion was a change of direction or just an unveiling of his true character could easily fill nine volumes.
To start off, one would need to establish that mankind needs a conversion, that means going into the nature of man — whether man is essentially good or bad. That one step has kept mankind pondering for the better part of three-thousand years; and there is still no generally accepted conclusion.
The next step would be to establish that there is a conversion or a new way of life to be followed—that would mean going into the whole salvation story.
The final step would be to establish that St. Francis did, in fact, accept this salvation — which would mean establishing that men have in the past accepted the promises and way of life prescribed by Jesus of Nazareth.
November 30
I, little Brother Francis, wish to live according to the life and poverty of our most high Lord Jesus Christ and his most Holy Mother and to persevere in this to the last. And I beseech you, my ladies, and I exhort you to live always in this most holy life and poverty. Keep close watch over yourselves so that you never abandon it through the teaching or advice of anyone. St. Francis’ Last Will for St. Clare
In looking at my past research on St. Francis I suppose that, if this was to be a journal on the study of St. Francis’ Mysticism, this journal would be a failure; because in studying the life of the Saint I have been more overcome by the way Francis literally applied his experience with Das Heilige to his life. He was beyond all doubt a mystic of the highest order, as exemplified by his stigmatization on Monte Alvemo. But his actual application of the precepts and convictions given to him by God are more an example of his deep mystical relationship to God than any writer*s plume could ever set about to write.
Therefore, if I was called upon to write a term project with the research that I have done and the information available to me I would write about something that I haven’t discussed about in this journal; That is, the relationship between St. Francis and St. Clare. This topic was impressed upon me by various sections of certain books I had the opportunity of reading.
In covering the relationship of the two saints I would set forth the statement that a very fulfilling relationship — a relationship blessed by the love of God — can be experienced by two people living under the strict franciscan code. I would develop this subject by writing about St. Clare’s acceptence of the franciscan code, St. Francis* care in avoiding temptation and how St. Francis confided in the counsel of the St. Clare when in need.
Let not the foreigner who has Joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” For thus says, the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a monument, and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which shall not be cut off. Isaiah 56:3-5
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Hermann., Placid, O.P.M, ed. The Writings of Saint Francis of Assisi. Trans. Benen Fahy, O.F.M. Chicago 9, Illinois: Franciscan Herald Press, 1964
- Opuscala Scti Francisci Assissi, 3rd Edition (Quarrachi, ed. and pub.): Rome, 1949.
- Baring-Gould, S., Rev., M.A. “Saint Francis of Assisi.” The Lives of the Saints. Edinburgh; John Grant, 1914.
- Bonaventure, St. Legendoe Duoe Vita S. Francisci. (Quarrachi, ed. and pub.): Rome, 1898. Boase, Thomas. Slerver Ross. St. Francis of Assisi. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press, 1968.
- Chesterton, Gilbert Keith. St. Francis of Assisi. Garden City, New. York: Doubleday, Doran and Company, Inc., 1924.
- Chesterton, Gilbert Keith. Simplicity and Tolstoy. London: A. L. Humphreys, 1912.
- Cuthbert, Fr. Life of Saint Francis of Assisi. New York: Longsmans, Green and Company, 1933.
- De La Bedoyere, Michael. Francis, a Biography of the Saint of Assisi. London: Collins, 1962.
- Egan, Maurice Francis. Everybody’s Saint Francis. New York: The Century Company, 1912.
- Englebert, Omer. Saint Francis of Assisi; a Biography. Trans. and ed. Edward Hutton. New York: Longsmans, Green, 1950.
- Fioretti. The Little Flowers of Saint Francis. Garden City, New Yoxk: Hanover House, 1958.
- Flood, Joseph Mary. A Noble Company: Short Studies of Great Lives. London: Alexander Ouseley Limited, 1936.
- Fulop-Miller, Rene. The Saints That Moved the World. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1946.
- Galli, Mario Von. Living our Future: Francis of Assisi and the Church Tomorrow. Trans. Maureen Sullivan, John Drury. Chicago: Franciscan Herald Press, 1972.
- Gordon, Duff. The Story of Assisi. London, 1900, c. ii and passim.
- Jorgenson, Johannes. Saint Francis of Assisi. Trans. T. O’Conor Sloane, Ph.D. New Xork; Longmana, Green, and Company, 1944.
- Karrer, Otto, ed. Saint Francis of Assisi. the Legends and Lands. Trans. N. Wydenbruck. New York: Sheeds Ward, 1948.
- O’Sullivan, Dorothea, St. The Meaning of Holiness. Trans. Larell, Louis. New York: Pantheon Books., 1954.
- Maynard, Theodore. Richest of the Poor: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Garden City, New York: Douhleday, 1948.
- Nicholson, Daniel Howard Sinclair. The Mysticism of Saint Francis of Assisi. London: J. Cape, 1923.
- O’Brien, Isidore, O.F.M. Mirror of Christ: Francis of Assisi. Patterson, New Xork: Saint Antony Guild Press, 1944.
- “The Origin of the’Rule of St. Francis.” Dublin Review. CXXXIV.(1904), 357-85.
- Raymond, Ernest. In the Steps of Saint Francis. New York: H.C. Kinsey and Company, Inc., 1939.
- Schimberg, Albert Paul. The Larks of Umbria. Millwaukee: The Bruce Publishing Company, 1942.
- Sabataer, Paul. Life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Trans. Seymor Hougton Louise. London: Hodder and Staughton, 1894.
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