Aims of Unit 9 : 1. “to understand that Francis reveals the radical call of poverty in witnessing the Gospel” 2. “Focus on preaching the Gospel through actions rather than words…”

 Transition from Decision Making (call to action) into the Unit on St. Francis, someone whose life is focused on “ living the Gospel”  HW (due on Thursday) : “What does preaching the Gospel with actions rather than words add to our understanding of discipleship?” What is your new definition of discipleship based on your response? (Typed)

 Call to poverty/the simple life…  Living like Jesus in humility = to inspire!  Washes his disciples’ feet! (John)  Difference between material/spiritual poverty?  Called to the streets…Discipleship requires active witnessing !  Care for creation…

 For Francis, his conversion was a slow process rather than a “flash…”  How can this fit into our knowledge of: 1. Decision Making? 2. Discipleship? 3. Virtue Formation? (In class responses…)

 Like Augustine, St Francis also lived a troubled and superficial youth…  Gave into temptation, fame and pleasure  “…the very king of frolic”

 First we should examine St. Francis from a historical approach to look at the time period  Born in 1182 in Assisi  Wealthy family, inheritance  Spent his youth lavishly  Comes from Nobility

 Assisi = central Italy, next to Perugia…  During a local war against the Perugians (at the age of 20), Francis was captured and developed an illness…(a fever)  During this time he acquired an interest in 1. eternity 2. fulfilling the emptiness that resided within  Where have we seen this before?

 Not Long after, Francis was released and with freedom came:  Renewal of glory and fame  Joined military and knighted  Continual struggle to find lifestyle which he desires  We always have to deal with temptation and distractions…  Do you?

 When he was reveling/partying with his friends, he seemed absent- minded…confused…  Francis continued to question his: 1. Existence 2. Purpose 3. Accomplishments  From this point his spirit grew…  “Lady Poverty :” gave up worldly goods, honors and privileges

 Through this revelation, a conflict developed between Francis and his family, especially his Father…  But Francis remained honest and faithful to himself and his conviction through the hardships…  Take a minute and think, would many of you go through with a decision if your parents and family were entirely against it?  Fortitude  Virtue! Action!

 One day, while crossing the Umbrian plain on horseback, Francis unexpectedly drew near a poor leper.  The “repulsive object” filled him with disgust and he instinctively retreated…but controlled his disgust  Dismounted, embraced the unfortunate man, and gave him all the money he had...

 Handout…read in class aloud!  In NB (5 min): “What strikes you about this scene?”  “Can you relate to Francis’ actions (disgusted as well as compassionate) when he encountered the leper?”

 San Damiano, a tumbling down, deserted chapel in Assisi= painted icon of the Crucified Christ.  1206 = Francis was walking in the vicinity of San Damiano = called to go inside…  “Enlighten the darkness of my heart…”

 "Francis, Go rebuild my house for me…"  What does this mean?  Does he have to only rebuild the church itself?