Rev. Gregory Plow, T.O.R, gave an inspiring talk about the life and conversion of Saint Francis, Tuesday Sept. 30.
The talk, hosted by the Mary, Spouse of the Spirit household, was the first in a series centered around the theme “Thirst for Holiness,” which will present saints as examples of longing for the Lord.
Rev. Plow began by remarking that Francis “worshiped Christ first and foremost.” He described how, in his early life, Francis spent his time partying, drinking and using his father’s money to fund the parties. He explained that this shows even great saints did not lead perfect lives. God offers forgiveness to all so that “… we don’t dwell on our sins. We acknowledge our sins, but point to God, he has set us free.”
Plow then told students that it “took [Francis] a while to understand what God wanted for him. It took years. Have patience with the Lord and with yourself.” This echoes the Franciscan virtue of ongoing conversion. It took a long time for Francis to become the saint we know.
Plow then went on to describe Francis’s experiences of conversion, beginning with his dreams. In the first, Francis saw Lady Poverty, “more beautiful, wealthy and noble than you have ever seen, because of her poverty.” His second dream included a voice which he interpreted as God, asking, “Who can do more for you, the Lord or the Servant? Why are you abandoning the Lord for the servant?” Both dreams challenged Francis’ priorities and focused his attention on God.
However, Plow argued that Francis’s encounter with the lepers was the conversion that affected him most deeply. According to Plow, Francis visited lepers camped at Santa Maria Degli Angeli. When he arrived, he didn’t just embrace them – he kissed them, an act that was unheard of at the time due to fear of contagion. Rev. Plow described Francis’s thoughts during this encounter: “I was in sin, then I encountered the leper, and what was bitter to me became sweet.” Rev. Plow explained that Francis “saw Christ in this man” and gave charity to lepers for the rest of his life.
In conclusion, Plow offered advice on discernment. He discussed the practice of “Sortes Biblicae,” or the practice of discerning God’s will, and connected it to his own life. When he was discerning the priesthood, he felt this in his own heart that God was calling him and knew he was meant to pursue religious life.
“Be constantly open,” Plow said in conclusion. “God spoke to Francis in many different ways. It was a long road, it took time, and then once he knew what God wanted for him, he went in full steam ahead.”