"Armed only with his faith and his personal meekness -- St. Francis successfully followed the path of dialogue."
.
In 1219, St. Francis went to Egypt and met with the Muslim leader, Sultan Malik al-Kamil.
.
"I want to underline this episode in the life of St. Francis because of its great relevance. At a time when there was a conflict between Christianity and Islam, Francis -- armed only with his faith and his personal meekness -- successfully followed the path of dialogue," the pope said.
.
St. Francis' desire to speak to the sultan and the sultan's cordial welcome is "a model that must inspire relations between Christians and Muslims today as well, promoting a dialogue in truth, mutual respect and understanding," he said. - CNS
.
"Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:8
.
I have so much repenting to do.
Art: St Francis Before the Sultan
Terry: I loved the way the Pope weaved this in---
ReplyDeleteThe church "was decomposing from within," he said...However, as a true saint and member of the church, Francis did not attempt to do anything "without or against the pope, but only with the pope". I just love this man. Meekness himself.
Terry: I was able to visit Assisi...a very hurried, chaotic, noisy and annoying affair...
ReplyDeleteand yet...the peace of the Lord was very tangible there.
I prayed at St. Clare's tomb and St. Francis' tomb to help me to be what God wants me to be (a work in progress)...St. Francis is such a powerful example of "being for Jesus"..."Only Jesus"...as you have on you blog.
Blessing, my friend.
We all have so much repenting to do. Now put down the whip. :-)
ReplyDelete