Knuckleheaded Francis got it right

I'm reading St. Bonaventure's life of St. Francis.

While reading it hit me: St. Francis was a bit of a knucklehead!

What I mean is that as he began his spiritual journey, he took things so literally, almost like one of the Three Stooges.

For example, when asked to rebuilt the Church, he understood that to mean build a particular church. He did that in instance after instance. God would ask him to do something, and he would interpret the request literally.

The important thing is that he did respond. He did act. Even when he did not do what he was really supposed to do, he still followed the directions to the best of his abilities.

After, all, he was a fool for Christ.

I must seek what God wants form me in my own life, and I can't let fear that I'll get it wrong stop me. I just have to do what I believe God wants me to do, do it to the best of my ability, and do it in a spirit of humility and openness so that if I have not gotten it right God can tap me on the shoulder - in my case, maybe a whack me on the head - with further directions.

I wonder what Francis would have thought of the Three Stooges? He might have welcomed them as brothers.

Pax et bonum