Loving the Liturgy with St. Francis

Continuing her series on the liturgy, AnneMarie Miller ponders St. Francis of Assisi’s great love for the Eucharist.

When we think of St. Francis of Assisi, what images come to mind?

I think of a barefoot friar frolicking outside. I think of a man preaching to birds, a Nativity scene with real animals, and the “Prayer of St. Francis.”

I also think of the liturgy.

Growing up, I never would have associated St. Francis of Assisi with the liturgy. He was the “nature saint” who danced in fields and talked to animals, right? He wasn’t even a priest!

Yet, as I learned more about St. Francis, this image of him expanded. I learned that he battled sin and temptation in his own life with a deep intensity. I learned that he experienced true joy in uniting himself with the crucified Christ. I also learned that he had a tremendous love for the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass, during which Jesus Christ is made truly present on the altar.

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In his “First Letter to the Custodians,” St. Francis writes:

They [the clergy] should hold as precious the chalices, corporals, appointments of the altar, and everything that pertains to the sacrifice. If the most holy Body of the Lord is very poorly reserved in any place, let It be placed and locked up in a precious place according to the command of the Church. (St. Francis of Assisi, “First Letter to the Custodians”)

These words refer to the clergy, but I wonder if we can all learn from them.

St. Francis notes that clergy “should hold as precious” the things that are part of the Mass. He knew that the vessels, the church building, and the altar linens matter–because of the Eucharist. In a letter to the entire order, he writes:

I implore all of you brothers to show all possible reverence and honor to the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. (St. Francis of Assisi, “Letter to the Entire Order”)

St. Francis recognized that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ—and he acted accordingly.

How many times do we fall into the routine of attending Mass and forget what is taking place in front of our eyes? How often do we mentally “check out” and think of Mass as just another thing on the “to do” list? Do we “hold the liturgy as precious”—or do we act as if it’s an ordinary prayer service?

Click to tweet:
If we find ourselves not wanting to attend Mass or struggling with prayer during Mass, let’s ask St. Francis of Assisi for help and inspiration. #catholicmom

Jesus Christ offers Himself to us in the Eucharist. This is a mind-boggling reality! Yet we can still struggle at times. We may find it difficult to pray at Mass, and we may not even want to go to Mass. If we find ourselves going through these challenges, let’s ask St. Francis of Assisi for help and inspiration.

As we celebrate this great saint each October by having our pets blessed, spending time in nature, or eating treats (almond cookies are very appropriate for the day), perhaps we can turn our gaze to the liturgy.

What are some ways we can “show all possible reverence” to Jesus Christ in the liturgy?

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