In Assisi, I constantly see either the word “pax”, peace, or an image symbolizing peace.

St. Francis believed the highest ideal is peace; he believed that peace is the highest aspiration for each person. In St. Francis’ Rule of 1223, Chapter 3: Concerning the divine office and fasting; and how the brothers ought to travel through the world, the following is found: “And into whatever house they may enter, first let them say: “Peace to this house.” And according to the Holy Gospel it is lawful for them to eat of any of the foods, which are placed before them.” He was clear. Before entering a home his Friars should pray “Peace to this house.” Peace was important!

Yet, two jarring notes. I need merely mention the Nova Music Festival, Gaza, the West Bank.

I need merely mention Kharkiv and Kiev.

The Geneva based International Academy for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights recognizes 110 armed conflicts occurring in one way or another during 2024. Yikes! Even the officials at the Basilica of St. Francis know violence is possible, even there.

Another note. As you may have noticed, one of my walking companions is the ancient writer of the Psalms. I can’t help but be shaken by some of his words. From Psalm 58, the wicked are lambasted.

They are as venomous as a serpent;

they are like the deaf adder which stops its ears,

Which does not heed the voice of the charmers,

and is deaf to the skilful weaver of spells.

Break, O God, their teeth in their mouths;

smash the fangs of these lions, O Lord.

Let them vanish like water that runs away;

let them wither like trodden grass.

Let them be as the slimy track of the snail,

like the untimely birth that never sees the sun.

Before ever their pots feel the heat of the thorns,

green or blazing, let them be swept away.

I know Walter Brueggemann’s helpful insights about these passages of vengeance. Don’t selectively omit these words. Acknowledge the ancient one’s anger. The ancient writer writes from pain. The ancient writer is saying “This should not be.” “Do something about this situation Big One Upstairs.” The ancient one is crying for some sort of moral order to this world.

I understand these words. Expressive words. Longing words. Hopeful words for moral ordering where there seems to be no grounds for that hope. I’m completely confident that Francis also heard and knew these words.

As a young man, Francis fought in battles. Captured, he was imprisoned for a year before his father paid a ransom. The following fresco shows St. Francis going to nearby Arezzo to bring peace.

We aren’t the only ones jarred by the reality of blood, violence, killing. So was Francis. For us, his words and life are as timely as ever.