Friar Jack's E-spirations

October 27, 2010

A Meditation on the <br/>Franciscan Coat of Arms

by Friar Jack Wintz, O.F.M.

If you go to any of our Franciscan friaries, churches or convents, you will almost always find the Franciscan Coat of Arms, painted somewhere, hanging on a wall or visible over a doorway. This holds true around the world as well as through the centuries.

The Franciscan coat of arms often consists of a cross with two arms crossing each other and nailed to a cross—or at least with a cross in the background. One arm is that of Christ; the other is that of St. Francis of Assisi. This image is a key identification badge for those who consider themselves followers of St. Francis.

This Franciscan coat of arms is an image worthy of our contemplation. The image is a true expression of both Jesus’ and Francis’ fervent style of love. We see in Jesus’ crucified hand, first of all, God’s incredible overflowing love for us. In Francis’ wounded hand, in turn, we see the incredibly loving response of St. Francis to the burning love of God, who first loved us.

This is indeed something to ponder. All in all, the Franciscan coat of arms is a wonderful expression of the Franciscan (or Seraphic) style of love. Though few of us live up to this ideal, it calls us to something rare and splendid!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you said, “No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Help us to contemplate the amazing intensity of your love, as symbolized by your crucified hand. Help us also to imitate you more fully, who first loved us, and to imitate St. Francis, who responded so fervently to the love so lavishly pour out upon him. Amen.

Friar Jim's Inbox

Readers respond to Friar Jim Van Vurst's October E-spiration, Catechism Quiz: Power Failures

Dear Friar Jim: Thank you for the insights on power you provided in your newsletter today. Much of my life I have been interested in pursuing, for what I thought were noble motives, to help others. But I have come to realize—and you have articulated the point well—that there other types of power that can serve others. I had always wanted to be someone such as St. Louis, but God has wanted me to use other kinds of power. I am also indebted to you for the reference to Judgment at Nuremberg. I want to rent that movie. Thank you for helping me on my pilgrimage. Joe

Hello, Joe. You are right. The greatest use of power is in service of others. Yes, get that movie...it's powerful in its own right. Fr. Jim

Send your feedback to friarjack@americancatholic.org

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	Welcome! I am Friar Jack Wintz, and I hope you'll enjoy all of the news about what's happening at AmericanCatholic.org as well as my own “Musings.” By the way, I am a real Franciscan friar, as is my co-worker, Friar Jim. You can find more about us here.