This month we begin Lent and the lure of the chocolate bar can seem impossible to resist.
Sacrifice, abstinence, and almsgiving highlight the season. In a world marked by self-indulgence, Lenten observance remains a counterculture force. On Ash Wednesday, this year observed on March 5, churches are filled with many determined to make the most of these 40 days.
Francis of Assisi, often known as the pleasant saint who reminded us of the beauty of the birds and the sky, was serious when it came to Lent. In fact, he was said to have marked 40 days of sacrificial prayer as many as three to five times a year, inspired by the time Jesus spent in prayer in the desert.
Brother William Short, OFM, professor of theology at the Franciscan School of Theology in San Diego, notes that Francis would spend as much as seven months out of the year in contemplative, quiet prayer, sometimes isolated in hermitages.
“Basically, Francis was creating the space and time to step apart and reflect on how God was asking him to deepen his commitment in terms of the ever-changing situation of his life,” Bro. William notes on his blog, https://blog.theologika.net/tag/br-william-short-ofm/.
History tells us that Francis spent those 40 days in intense fasting, solitude, and prayer. One Lent, he spent on an island in Lake Trasimeno, near Perugia. A fisherman brought him to the island. Francis took just a bit of bread and asked the fisherman to return him to shore at the end of Lent.
Francis was known for the value he placed on community, yet at the same time he knew the worth of solitude. He preached that to his fellow friars as well. He urged that some friars dedicate themselves exclusively to prayer, while others could look after the needs of the community. Francis then suggested that they switch roles.
Most are unlikely to replicate Francis’ intense Lenten observances. But the recognition of the need to set oneself apart in contemplation is a healthy spiritual practice enabling all of us, as Christians, to once again meet our obligations to the needy we encounter, whatever our station in life.
Avoiding that chocolate bar we all know requires personal sacrifice and discipline. We are asked to do even more, however. Almsgiving remains an integral part of Lenten practice, much as it did during Francis’ time. Planned Giving to the Franciscans allows you to make a charitable contribution as part of your overall financial and estate planning. You can do this in a variety of ways, including bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance policies and retirement accounts.
To learn more about how you can help the Franciscan Friars help our poor and marginalized sisters and brothers with your legacy gift, contact Fr. David Convertino, OFM, via email at dconvertino@friars.us or by calling (212) 564-8834.
