Visiting the Monks

"I have done what was mine to do; now you must do what is yours to do." 

                                        -St. Francis of Assisi

Today, a buddy and I drove an hour to visit a Franciscan monastery; this Franciscan order finds its roots in the man, St. Francis of Assisi. He was a simple fellow who, in front of his father, stripped himself naked, taking a vow of poverty in order to follow Jesus the best way he knew possible. He died in his 40's but spent most of his life traveling and living Jesus to the outcasts of society. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this visit, but was simply eager for an opportunity to learn and experience something spiritual.

We first met with two wonderful Fathers (leaders) in the order and chatted for nearly two hours. The highlight of the conversation for me was listening to their telling of St. Francis' theological ideologies. He rejected wealth and power, living a simplistic life. He never intended to develop a following or start monasteries, but within his lifetime he gained around 5,000 followers. The one Father told us that Francis enjoyed traveling some distance to visit Muslims, but Francis' ways were much different than what Evangelicals would hope to do. Francis had no selfish agenda; instead of trying to convert the Muslims, he intended to reveal the Christ that was already in their midst-- the Christ inside of them! Ironically enough, Francis' intent was to be "muslim (subject)" to Muslims. I can't think of anything more humble and powerful-- Francis' methods sound a lot like something Jesus would do, which was in fact Francis' driving force for his life.

Another cool story the Father told was when Francis decided to go before the Sultan to preach the good news of Christ, likely being martyred for doing so. To Francis' surprise, the Sultan took a liking to Francis and his message. So, Francis remained with the Sultan for some time, which gave Francis' followers back in his hometown reason to believe he truly had been granted his wish of martyrdom. Upon Francis' surprising return home, he was fuming when he realized his followers had begun constructing monasteries because such an act was totally antithetical to his tenet of living simple, poor lives. Francis tried to tear down the buildings with his bare hands. Sadely, he experienced betrayal at the hands of his own brothers (they called themselves "brothers" because they didn't believe in levels of authority).

Furthermore, I resonated with the beauty, mystery, and awe these monks approach all areas of life. They talked about the beauty of life being found in the mess, even in the suffering. They commented how in the West, we often separate God from "the world," but if God took on our very flesh, He must be declaring humanity's beauty. Yes, from the very beginning, He did declare His Creation to be GOOD. Jesus taking on human skin was his reminder that there is always beauty found in the ashes.

After chatting with these two lovely Fathers, we began a walking tour of the monastery. We spent ample time learning about the countless icons hanging in the walls of the halls and also in the chapel. I learned that these icons are not "painted" or "drawn;" instead, icons are "written." An icon is theology in picture form. Careful planning and meticulous design goes behind each and every craft.

Moving to the chapel, I first noticed the peaceful scent from all the burning candles. The chapel felt extremely numinous. I hadn't been in a place like this in quite some time. It felt like standing atop a tall mountain, those waves of solace you feel pulsing through your body. You're not quite sure why you're feeling what you're feeling, but you know that it feels very real... and very good. We probably spent over an hour in the chapel, learning of the many reasons why things were constructed and placed in the ways they were. EVERYTHING had order and purpose. I can't really find the words for all of this right now, but I assure you that it was a memorable experience that I'll never forget. I will return to this chapel some morning because they have daily liturgies at 8am.

After my experience with these monks, I feel like I'm much more a Catholic than I am a Protestant. And, I'm certainly a Franciscan. No, I may not actually have the labels because I haven't undergone the perseverance and dedication it takes, but I sure did feel myself come alive listening to these humble men talk about the mystery and beauty of humanity and the One who made all things! For now, I carry this wonderful experience with me and will forever be changed because of it.