Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

The story is told in the Little Flowers of St. Francis about a picnic. St. Francis and St. Clare did not generally get to spend time together. Because of the restrictions of the day and of religious life, it just was not possible. St. Clare wanted an opportunity to meet with St. Francis over a meal. His brothers convinced Francis of the appropriateness and the charitable nature of responding with a “yes” to Clare’s request, as she had given up everything to take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to become a follower of his movement.

Clare, with one of her sisters, and Francis, with one of his brothers, met outside the little chapel of St. Mary of the Angels, where Clare had taken her vows and had cut her hair off. They sat on the ground for their shared meal with their companions. Francis spoke of God, and his sweet words held all in rapt attention.

From a distance, those in Assisi and the surrounding countryside looked toward St. Mary of the Angels and thought there was a fire. It seemed like the church and woods surrounding it were aflame. People rushed to put out the flames, but when they arrived, they realized there was no fire. They saw Francis, Clare, and their companions absorbed in contemplation. What they had seen was a heavenly fire, a divine flame of love for God. This spiritual meal took the place of the picnic they had prepared.

As we enter June, it’s a time of gatherings, festivals, and picnics. We enjoy each other and we enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Let our time be blessed with friends whose words capture us in rapt attention. May we too be filled with love of God and of each other that our time together feeds us spiritually in addition to bodily!

Blessed Angela: “Our happiness depends on the love of God.”