Thoughts which carry me to Jesus, and to the Cross:

“After about two years his intestines came out because of the disease, so that he died a very painful death. His people did not make a bonfire to honor him, as they had done for his ancestors. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. No one regretted his death; he was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal tombs.” (2 Chronicles 21:19–20, NET)

Finally, after a pleasant conversation, the abbot, as he left, humbly asked him to pray for him. The dear man of God replied: “I will willingly pray.” When the abbot had ridden away a short distance, the faithful Francis said to his companion: “Wait a little, brother, because I want to pay the debt I promised.” As he prayed, suddenly the abbot felt in spirit unusual warmth and sweetness like nothing he felt before, and rapt in ecstasy, he totally fainted away into God. This lasted for a short time, and then he returned to his senses and realized the power of Saint Francis’s prayer. From that time on, he always burned with ever greater love for the Order, and told many about this miraculous event.

When doing our morning devotions this morning, we were talking about the people who built the tower of Babel, and their ambition, creativity and focus. All praiseworthy characteristics, except that you were used in self-interest and to achieve personal fame.

Then in my private devotions, I came across the passage about Jehoram, and it is grievous. No one cared that this king died, and perhaps no one cared about the pain he was in.

I can’t imagine that fate, and I certainly would not want it for any of my friends, or even some of my adversaries. It’s not about seeking fame and fortune, it is about life have meaning and value…about making a difference in other people’s lives.

Nothing could be better than hearing something like this about somone… “He went out of his way to pray for me, and because of that, I knew that God was with me…” Which is basically what St Francis did for the rich abbot. He didn’t give him wise advise, he didn’t donate millions (though our preschool would willing accept a few million in donations – then we could not charge tuition!) he simply prayed for him, and the abbot knew it, and never forgot.

That’s the point, being there in a time of need, because Jesus is there for us, make the largest difference in the world. And it causes us to be remembered, and God to be praised. It may be the teacher given a hug, it might be the elder who made people laugh, it might be the night caregiver, who changes the bedpan and comforts the one infirm. It might be the manager – who invests her faith in her people, and gets to see the results, as they come to love the God, who comes to them.

IF you have a moment, think of those people, and give thanks to God for those whose passing you would regret, whose life you value because of their impact on you. Give thought as to why they have that value, and thank God for them… and maybe even tell them you are thanking God for them!

And if some abbot asks you to pray for them, surely do it! (anyone else that asks you should pray for as well!)

Pasquale, G., ed. (2011). Day by Day with Saint Francis: 365 Meditations (pp. 160–161). New City Press.