The commitment to “God and all things” comes first, while our own egos, self-interest, and institutional structures are secondary. The diversity of flora, fauna, earth, sea, and air, so beloved by Francis, awakens us to the wondrous diversity of humankind and the nonhuman world and the need to protect the diverse expressions of human spiritual experience. Diversity is not a fall from grace, but the expression of God’s abundant life, wisdom, and creativity.
Gospel simplicity sees the church’s mission as joining inward spirituality with outward service. Sacrifice, not security, is its polestar, and the “least of these” beloved by God are the object of its concern. Loving all God’s people, the church, inspired by Franciscan spirituality, means having a preferential option for the poor, though everyone is worthy of God’s love. There is room for householders and monastics, priests and laypeople, civil servants and prophets, traditionalists and innovators, working together for God’s glory and the well-being of humankind and creation.
—from the book Simplicity, Spirituality, Service: The Timeless Wisdom of Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure
by Bruce G. Epperly
