The Way of St. Francis: The Challenge of Franciscan Spirituality for Everyone

By Murray Bodo

Book Overview

A way of life both stimulating and troubling

This is the way of life St. Francis shows us. It asks that we look again at the possibilities within us and around us and see Francis's life and examples as a way of embracing our "dark side," of reconciling the opposites in ourselves and the world. The Way of St. Francis offers all Christians a guide to following the spirituality of the beloved saint from Assisi.

Father Murray Bodo challenges himself and us with a renewed understanding of Francis--to whom we turn again and again in interpreting our own human experience and our experience of God. We reflect on the saint's ways of "letting go," of achieving poverty, of simplicity and non-violence, of entering all creatures. Franciscan spirituality is no different from any other Christian spirituality, observes Bodo. But the way that Francis lives the Gospel has an irresistible attraction for all. "Francis makes me feel loved; he makes me feel that I matter," the author writes. "That is the power he exercises over us...and that is why so many look to him as the model of what they, too, can be."

This is a book for all spiritual seekers and lovers of St. Francis--a man who has inspired millions for over eight centuries.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385199139
• ISBN13: 9780385199131
• Release Date: February 1985
• Publisher: Galilee Trade
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Simple Yet Profound

When I was directed to the Prayer of St. Francis by a friend, I purchased this book to discover more of the spiritual beliefs that this man lived by. Interwoven into the narrative about the historical aspects of the life of St. Francis of Assisi are the spiritual convictions that led this man away from a life of wealth into a life of service and devotion to God. The chapters are brief, yet they are laden with depth, wisdom and selfless spirituality. I particularly found the chapters on prayer to be intensely profound, helpful and also practical. This book is not written as a "how to manual" on living a God-centered life. What it does is, it sets St. Francis as a role model, an example of living a spiritual life, and it is up to the reader to discover how to follow through with those examples in their own lives.

Quenches Thirst for Franciscan Spirit with Historical Facts

Bodo's "The Way of St. Francis" is a very satisfying read for novices to Franciscan spirituality or veterans. He blends stories and historical data into an applicable creation to a variety of comtemporary issues for modern Christians. It allows us to realize our own humanity and stillstrive to become the saints we are called to. The chapters are concise and the blending of storytelling makes this more of a page turner than your average book on theology or spirituality.

Lifealtering

This book changed my life 10 years ago and through the narrative life of the little man of Assisi. A must for anyone wanting to learn about the spirtuality and human aspects of Francis' character.

Living the Lessons

Fr. Bodo has been so interested in St. Francis for so many years that his depth of understanding is thought-provoking and often startling. Every chapter has some dimension of Francis, the contemplative life, and the lessons of Francescan living that are informative to me personally and important to me Spiritually. This is a book that I will re-read a number of times to try to absorb as many of the ideas as my mind will permit. I am most thankful to have discovered this gem written about one of the most important mystics of all history.

A modern view of life in Francis' terms

Fr Bodo has created a piece of work that makes St Francis comes alive for us today. The writing is direct and easy to follow. St Francis would be proud of this modern day Franciscan and his views.