From the Friars: The Knight of Christ

At the recent Charlie Kirk memorial service President Trump pointed out how Charlie did not hate his opponents and he wanted the best for them. The president then added in a half joking and apologetic way that “I do hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them.” He further stated that maybe Ericka Kirk, who forgave her husband’s killer, and others could convince him that this hatred is not right. We hope they do so.

The command to love our enemies surely is one of the most difficult of Jesus’ teachings. As we honor St. Francis of Assisi this Saturday on his Feast Day, we can recall his heroic example in living out this radical precept. One of the most striking incidents of this was his missionary journey to Egypt during the Fifth Crusade. During the bloody battle for Damietta in September 1219, the little poor man arrived in the crusader camp. But St. Francis had not come to fire up the troops for combat but to preach the Gospel, to seek the conversion and eternal salvation of his enemies, even if it meant losing his life.

Accompanied by Br. Illuminato, St. Francis walked unarmed into Muslim territory with his heart on fire with love for them. He took very seriously the Gospel passage: “he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mk 16:16) Martyrdom seemed likely since Sultan Malik El-Kamil had promised a gold piece to anyone who brought him the head of a Christian. In truth Francis longed for martyrdom as it is the greatest act of love, to die for the other as Jesus died for all of us.

There are different versions of exactly what happened when the two friars entered the Sultan’s tent. But it seems clear that the Muslim leader admired the courage and sincerity of his unexpected guest and, rejecting the advice of his advisors, not only listened to what St. Francis had to say but spared his life despite what the law of Islam demanded. The saint was disappointed not to have gained the palm of martyrdom, but his Christ-like zeal for the good of the other, even enemies, remains a challenge for us all.

Pax et Bonum.
Fr. Peter