November 18, 2004

People often associate Saint Francis of Assisi with his love for animals. It is true that he loved all the creatures of God, but it was not for their sake. Saint Francis could contemplate in creatures the splendid beauty and marvelous mysteries of their Creator.

But if he could do so in mere creatures, all the more could Saint Francis contemplate Christ truly present in His Most Precious Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. Below are some words written by Saint Francis about the Holy Mass and the Holy Eucharist. They were addressed to the entire Franciscan order, but all of us can meditate upon them in this year of the Most Holy Eucharist.

Let the whole of mankind tremble
the whole world shake
and the heavens exult
when Christ, the Son of the living God,
is [present] on the altar
in the hands of a priest.
O admirable heights and sublime lowliness!
O sublime humility!
O humble sublimity!
That the Lord of the universe,
God and the Son of God,
so humbles Himself
that for our salvation
He hides Himself under the little form of bread!
Look, brothers, at the humility of God
and pour out your hearts before Him!
Humble yourselves, as well,
that you may be exalted by Him.
Therefore,
hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves
so that
He Who gives Himself totally to you
may receive you totally.

Fr. Sylvester Mary Mann, C.F.R.
Director of St. Anthony's Residence, residing at St. Crispin Friary

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