Day 28: God’s Fool

On this April Fools’ Day, we remember St. Francis of Assisi who is often referred to as God’s Fool or a Fool for Christ.

There are countless books written about this great saint, and many memorable stories that have lasted the test of time.

I recall this day the story of how before Francis experienced his conversion, he and his friends would often to wake up those sleeping at night as they sang love songs through the dark roads of Assisi.

As his life took a new direction, he drew attention by the new words he spoke and the life he lived. His song was now one of radical love, and it was through creation where he often returned to connect to God.

One such song is the Canticle of the Sun that Francis wrote while recovering from an illness.

Two years later, he first time it was sung in its entirety was on Francis’ death bed, by Francis and his companions Brothers Leo and Angelo. Tradition tell us that the verse “Sister Death” was added shortly before this occurrence.

On this April Fools’ day, may we be God’s Fool, and take a page from Francis by looking to our environment to find God’s glory.

Listen to a version of the song here (from the movie Brother Sun, Sister Moon), and/or read the translated prayer below from its original Italian language to English.

Most High, all powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honour, and all blessing.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no man is worthy to mention Your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendour!
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather through which you give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
which 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.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us and governs us and who produces
varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those who will find Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.