St. Francis and chivalry

Saint Francis of Assisi once referred to his Friars Minor as "my Knights of the Round Table, who remain in deserts and lonely places in order to devote themselves more completely to prayer and meditation."

One of these days - after I finish a few other writing projects - I'll tackle an exploration of what the Poverello means by this.

At any rate, in the current issue of The Cord (60:1), Mark Elvins, O.F.M., Cap., argues, in his article, "Saint Francis and Chivalry: From Military Code to Spiritual Romance," that Francis "resolved to exchange the carnal weapons of knighthood for spiritual ones." He explains:

Worldly knighthood was marked by extravagance of dress; Francis chose the garb of a leper. Worldly knightood was indicated by wealth and largesse; Francis chose poverty and mendicancy. Worldly knighthood - when not bearing arms - was identified by leisure; Francis sought to labor with his hands. Worldly knighthood indicated power; Francis sought to be subject to all. Worldly knighthood was marked by a title - Dominus or Messire - Francis chose to be called a Lesser Brother. Finally, worldly knighthood sought military prowess; Francis became a peacemaker (55-56).

Let each of us seek to become one of Saint Francis' Knights of the Round Table.