Finding Francis, Following Christ

Overview

In a world afflicted by violence, in a society marked by a growing gulf between rich and poor, in a church polarized around issues of power and authority, the example of St. Francis of Assisi remains fresh and relevant, a powerful model of the gospel in action. As award-winning author Michael Crosby points out, the memory of Francis does not simply challenge the violence and materialism of our culture. He embodies a positive, joy-filled example of humanity at its best. His mission to "repair the church" speaks directly to the crises facing the church today. His example of a nonviolent, justice-seeking, creation-centered spirituality speaks to the needs of our world and the deepest hungers of our hearts. Francis of Assisi is indeed a saint for all times.

Michael H. Crosby (1940-2017) was a Capuchin Franciscan whose preaching and writing on contemporary biblical discipleship took him around the world. He authored seventeen books, including Spirituality of the Beatitudes (Orbis, 2005), The Prayer That Jesus Taught Us (Orbis, 2002), Repair My House (Orbis, 2008), and Fruit of the Spirit (Orbis, 2015).