Let’s talk about Francis of Assisi, the man who made simplicity cool long before it was trending. If Francis were around today, he’d be the kind of guy who, instead of giving a TED talk on minimalism, would quietly hand you a loaf of bread, smile, and say, “This is enough.” And somehow, you’d be convinced that it *was* enough. So, what can we learn from this sandal-wearing saint about spirituality, the Eucharist, and living in our high-speed world where even our coffee orders are complicated?
Francis and the Art of Simplicity
Francis had a knack for making the complex simple. He didn’t need luxury or fame to feel fulfilled. In fact, he joyfully gave up everything for a life of poverty. If we’re honest, most of us get twitchy when we misplace our phones for 30 seconds—imagine living without one *on purpose*.
The beauty of Franciscan spirituality is that it reminds us to step back from the clutter and focus on what really matters. Francis’s life was like a spiritual declutter: fewer distractions, more connection. This idea extends to how we approach the Eucharist today. While we’re tempted to overcomplicate our lives, Francis would urge us to strip away the noise and approach the Eucharist with the same simplicity—a meal shared in love, a moment of peace.
The Eucharist: Less Buffet, More Banquet
Speaking of meals, Francis had a deep love for the Eucharist. In fact, you could say he saw it as the original potluck—except, instead of everyone bringing something, Christ provides Himself as the Real Food. And it’s not just bread and wine. Francis believed the Eucharist is – God is with us in the most ordinary, simple things. Bread, wine, the person sitting next to you—they’re all part of this divine banquet.
Now, before you think of the Eucharist as just a regular Sunday snack, consider Francis’s perspective. He didn’t see the Eucharist as a pit stop during Mass but as the heartbeat of his spirituality. For him, it was where heaven met earth in the simplest form. And it didn’t require a fancy feast, just a pure heart and an openness to God’s presence.
So, maybe the next time we’re in line for communion, instead of mentally checking off our to-do list, we could channel a little Francis and realize the miracle in the moment. It’s not fast food—it’s soul food.
Francis and the Original “Going Green” Movement
It’s no secret that Francis was a nature lover. Birds, trees, wolves—you name it, he saw God in it. If Francis were around today, he’d probably be on the board of directors for Greenpeace or at least trying to get the squirrels in your backyard to recycle. His love for creation was deeply tied to his love for the Creator. For Francis, the Eucharist wasn’t just a spiritual experience but a reminder that everything in creation is sacred and connected.
In today’s world, where climate change is a daily headline and people throw the term “eco-friendly” around like confetti, Francis offers us something deeper. The Eucharist calls us to respect not only God’s presence in the bread and wine but also in the world around us. So yes, reducing your plastic use is great, but maybe Francis would challenge us to see the world through Eucharistic eyes, where every act of care for creation is an act of reverence for the Creator.
Francis, Humility, and the Eucharist
Francis wasn’t exactly about the fame game. In fact, he’d be the last person to start a YouTube channel or post selfies in his robe. Humility was his thing. He once said, “I am what I am in the eyes of God, nothing more.” Francis embraced the idea that life wasn’t about status or success but about love and service. He saw the Eucharist as the ultimate act of humility—God coming to us in the simplest form, offering Himself without fanfare.
Today, in a world obsessed with being seen and validated, the Eucharist invites us to step into that same humility. Francis would tell us to stop worrying about how many likes we got on our latest post and instead focus on being present with others, as Christ is present with us in the Eucharist. He’d probably even remind us that the humble act of receiving the Eucharist—quietly, reverently—can be a powerful countercultural statement in a world that loves to shout.
Living the Eucharist, Franciscan Style
So, how do we bring a little bit of Francis and the Eucharist into our everyday lives? It’s simpler than you might think. Francis would say it’s not about grand gestures but about small acts of love.
It all begins by sharing God, whom you received in the Eucharist – with others. Share a meal with someone in need. Be kind to the cashier who just had a rough day. Appreciate the birds, trees, and yes, even that one squirrel who keeps stealing your garden tomatoes. In these small acts, we live out the Eucharist in the Franciscan way—seeing Christ in everyone and everything.
Francis’s spirituality, at its core, is about joy in simplicity, humility, and love for creation. The Eucharist, too, is about those same things: God’s humble love made present in the simplest of forms, inviting us to share that love with others. So, the next time you’re caught up in the busyness of life, maybe take a moment to ask yourself, “What’s up, Francis?” And you might find that the answer is as simple as sharing bread, sharing love, and sharing the moment.