The dream of St. Francis. Francis and Bernardo of Quintavalle in the Church of Saint Nicholas.
Continuation of the meeting in the Church of Damian
This portion of the Tavola depicts two separate scenes. The top portion show Francis asleep in his bed dreaming of his meeting with Christ. In this dream Francis is asked once again, “Whom do you want to serve? The Lord or the Servant?” to which Francis replies “the Lord!” Rather than joining in with the battle that was to take place in Puglia, he decided to give himself completely to Christ the Church.
At this moment St. Francis completely orients his life towards God and his vocation. The main scene portrays Francis putting this newfound task to work by sharing the Word of God. We see Francis standing next to his friend Bernardo of Quintavalle while he reads from the Book of Life. He says, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) These words laid the foundation for the Franciscan order we have today.
The First Franciscans
Young men were drawn in by the witness and teachings of Saint Francis and began to take up the life and vocation he inspired. In pursuing this vocation, they willingly left behind their worldly ambitions and material possessions, going against the grain to follow Jesus, the true leader of this new community.
What can we learn?
St. Francis heard the Word of God speaking to him in Sacred Scripture, calling him and his followers to a life that would be difficult and outside their comfort zone, but one that would reap many graces and win many souls for Christ. The Lord continues to speak to each and every one of us, but we do not always have our ears open, or are unwilling to respond when He calls. Like Francis, we have to be open to where the Lord is calling us to serve Him, trusting that He Who created the stars in the heavens knows us better than we know ourselves. Whether to Holy Orders, Consecrated Life, Matrimony, or a devout single life, the vocation we are each called to allows us to truly come alive in Christ and preach the Good News through our words and actions.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.
(Mk 1:15)
Sell what you possess and give to the poor; and come, follow me.
(Mt 19:21)