August 25, 2010 - 11:24 AM
Francis and Louis-A Truly Odd Couple
I have to admit that I was surprised and a bit intrigued when I saw that in the Common of Holy Women, Holy Men from the Episcopal Church we were setting aside time to remember Louis, King of France today. I have to confess that my initial thoughts were of Louis the XIV and XV, not exactly examples of humility and piety as I remember my European History. As the story of Louis IX unfolded however I sensed that the timing was just right for us as a Church and indeed for American Christians to pay attention to the life and example of Louis. St. Louis was King of France from 1226 until his death in 1270. His succesion to the throne was in the same year as the death of Francis of Assisi. Louis was devout and sympathetic to the vision and mission of Francis in the world. So much so that it is reported that Louis wore a simple hair shirt underneath his royal garb to remind himself of the call to serve the poor in spirit and in truth. Louis' humility, piety and devotion to the Franciscan way has made him the patron saint of the Third Order Franciscans, laypeople of many denominations that live a life devoted to Francis' commitment to the poor and rebuilding the Church faithfully. The Rev'd Sam Portaro, former Episcopal Chaplain to the University of Chicago and author of Brightest and Best: A Companion to the Lesser Feasts and Fasts <http://www.amazon.com/Brightest-Best-Companion-Lesser-Feasts/dp/1561011487/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282745516&sr=8-1> writes this of the relationship between Francis and Louis in his reflection on Louis:
Both were born to wealth and position, both willingly deferred the prerogatives of privilege; the difference between the monarch and mendicant lies only in the manner of their witness and devotion. This is where the dissonance is pronounced, for while Francis embraced poverty, Louis wore the crown. Yet strange as it may seem, Louis may be for us the more applicable and the more admirable exemplar. (p. 146)
Portaro's contention is a valid one based upon the claim that Louis path of being both blessed materially and generous spiritually is tough work. Louis was not seduced by his privilege, but rather used it as a means to address the unjust structures and challenges faced by "the least of these" referred to by Jesus in Matthew 25:31-45. We, like Louis, have much in the way of prestige, power and clout to address the unjust structures that keep the chasm between 'least' and 'most' a yawning one. I join with Sam Portaro in calling us to face our responsibilities head on to do what we can as individuals and communities of faith to address the unjust structures of this world and the sin that creates and sustains them. We do well to remember the spirit of Luke 12:48 "from whom much is given, much will be asked." May we all be a visionary as Francis and as generous as Louis IX, King of France this day.
Peace and Good,
The Rev. Warren Hicks
http://stlukesworcester.org
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
921 Pleasant St.
Worcester, MA 01602-1908
508-756-1990
