St Francis of Assisi Rules: A Comprehensive Guide

St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, was an Italian Catholic monk who lived his life according to the principles of Christianity, earning him sainthood. He was known for his simple and humble life, his care for the poor, and his love for animals and the environment. Today, his teachings continue to inspire people around the world, and his rules are a beacon of compassion and humility.

At the heart of Francis' teachings are a set of rules that encapsulate his vision of a life dedicated to God, service, and simplicity. These rules, compiled by his follower St. Bonaventure, outline the functional and spiritual practices of the Franciscan Order that Francis founded. They are not rigid guidelines, but rather a framework for a life lived in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Poverty and Simplicity

The rule of St. Francis emphasizes the importance of living a life of poverty and simplicity. This does not mean destitution, but rather a detachment from worldly possessions and material wealth.

Instead, Francis advocated for a life focused on spiritual riches, content with the essentials necessary for human existence. He believed that the endless pursuit of wealth and material possessions was a barrier to spiritual growth and a burden that hinders freedom.

The Rule of Living Simply

Francis taught his followers to live simply, with a roof over their heads, clothes to cover their bodies, and food to sustain their lives, saying, "I do not wish to be a burden to anyone." He believed that by living simply, one could remove the barriers to a life dedicated to God and the service of others.

For Francis, this meant traveling light, owning nothing, and acquiring nothing for himself, teaching his followers to do the same. This is exemplified in the phrase, "What you have is yours and what you do not have is nobody's." This was not a call to live without responsibility, but rather to live without attachment.

The Value of Work

While Francis advocated for a life of simplicity, he did not promote idleness. He believed in the dignity of work, teaching his followers to work diligently and serve God faithfully. He saw work as a calling and a means to support oneself and others.

He believed that all activities should be done for the love of God, and that regardless of one's role, everyone has a part to play in God's creation. Whether it was his own work or the work of others, Francis taught that all work should be done with humility and love.

Love and Humility

At the core of Francis' teachings is the import of love and humility. He believed that these two virtues were the foundation of a Christ-centered life.

For Francis, love was not just a sentiment, but an action. He believed that love is lived out in the way we treat others, particularly the marginalized and the poor.

The Rule of Love

Francis' rule emphasizes the love of God and neighbor, saying, "Love and do what you will." This was not a license to act without consequence, but rather a call to act in love, with love as the guiding principle. Francis believed that by loving God and others, we are guided towards good actions.

He exemplified this love in his care for the poor, the sick, and even animals. His canticle, "The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars," personifies all of creation as siblings, demonstrating his love for all of God's creation.

The Rule of Humility

Francis believed that humility was the path to true understanding and closeness with God. He taught that humility is not about self-deprecation, but rather, it is about recognizing that all good comes from God and that we are but instruments of His will.

He instructed his followers to never desire to possess or direct anything without the counsel of superiors and brothers. Instead, they were to submit their wills to God's will, saying, "We unhesitatingly accept and obey whatever the Lord has shown our brothers, considering it as just as if the Lord himself had said it to us..."

Francis' rules, while simple and direct, are profound in their impact. They provide a vision of a life lived in service to God and others, guided by the principles of love, humility, poverty, and simplicity. They continue to inspire and challenge people of faith to live in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus Christ. As we conclude, let us remember St. Francis' words, "Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you're doing the impossible."