Francis of Assisi and Ecology

1
Francis of Assisi and Ecology

• An Introduction

2
Two characteristics of Franciss
theology/spirituality

• Humility
• Sacramental view of nature

3
Humility

• Order of Friars Minor fratres minores
• lesser brothers
• no one is to be called superior
• Source of Franciss stress on humility?
• The humility of Jesus
• Jesus self-emptying (kenosis)

4
Mark 1042-45

• You know that among the Gentiles those whom they
  recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and
  their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is
  not so among you but whoever wishes to become
  great among you must be your servant, and whoever
  wishes to be first among you must be slave of
  all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but
  to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for
  many.

5
Philippians 25-8

• Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ
  Jesus,
• who, though he was in the form of God,
• did not regard equality with God as something to
  be exploited,
• but emptied himself kenosis, taking the form of
  a slave, being born in human likeness.
• And being found in human form,
• he humbled himself and became obedient to the
  point of death--
• even death on a cross.

6
Sacramental view of natureThe Canticle of the
Creatures

• Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures,
• especially Sir Brother Sun,
• Who is the day and through whom you give us
  light.
• And he is beautiful and radiant with great
  splendor
• and bears a likeness of You, most High One.
• Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and
  stars,
• in heaven you formed them clear and precious and
  beautiful.

7
The Canticle of the Creatures

• Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
• and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every
  kind of weather, through whom you give sustenance
  to your creatures.
• Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
• who is very useful and humble and precious and
  chaste.
• Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
• through whom You light the night,
• and he is beautiful and playful and robust and
  strong.

8
The Canticle of the Creatures

• Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister
  Mother Earth,
• who sustains and governs us,
• and who produces various fruit with colored
  flowers and herbs. . . .
• Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister
  Bodily Death,
• from whom no one living can escape.