JUBILEE YEAR OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

 

Bro. Onome AKPOS, OFM Cap.

In our world, where happiness is often measured by success, wealth, comfort, and achievement, Saint Francis of Assisi presents a completely different understanding of joy. The story of “Perfect Joy” teaches that true happiness is not found in fame, miracles, wisdom, or recognition, but in patiently enduring suffering for the love of Christ.

According to the Franciscan tradition, on a cold winter day, Francis was walking with Brother Leo towards Saint Mary of the Angels. As they walked through the freezing weather, Francis began to explain what perfect joy is not. He said that even if the Friars became famous for their holiness, perfect joy would not be found in that. He continued by saying that even if a friar healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, and cast out demons, perfect joy would still not be found there. Again, Francis said that even if a friar understood all languages, possessed all wisdom, knew all of Scripture, and could reveal secrets and prophesy, perfect joy would not be found in these things. He even added that if a friar converted everyone to Christ, perfect joy would still not be found there.

Brother Leo was amazed because all these things seemed great and holy. Finally, he asked Francis where perfect joy could truly be found. Francis then answered with a surprising example. He said that if they arrived at the monastery tired, hungry, wet, and freezing, and the porter insulted them, refused to let them in, called them thieves, and left them outside in the cold, yet they accepted everything patiently and without anger, then that would be perfect joy. Francis continued by saying that even if they were beaten, cursed, and humiliated, but remained peaceful and joyful for the love of Christ, then that would be perfect joy.

The lesson of this story is very powerful. Francis teaches that true joy is not based on what a person possesses or achieves, but on the condition of the heart. A person who can remain peaceful, loving, and faithful in the midst of suffering has discovered a deeper happiness that the world cannot give or take away. This joy comes from union with Christ, who Himself suffered rejection, humiliation, and pain. By accepting suffering with patience and love, the Christian shares in the life of Christ.

In our world today, especially in Nigeria, many people seek joy in pleasure, money, fame, validation, and material success. People struggle every day to survive, and because of corruption, hardship, insecurity, and suffering in the country, many believe that happiness can only come from wealth or worldly achievement. As a result, people become worried, frustrated, and restless whenever these things do not come their way. Saint Francis of Assisi teaches a completely different understanding of joy. He reminds us that true joy does not depend on riches, comfort, or recognition, but on our relationship with God.

It is important, however, not to misunderstand Saint Francis’s message as an endorsement of passive resignation or a justification for systemic injustice. In a country like Nigeria, telling people simply to find “joy in suffering” could easily be misinterpreted as ignoring the pain caused by poverty, corruption, insecurity, and injustice. Francis was not advocating laziness or submission to oppression. Rather, his understanding of Perfect Joy can be seen as a radical form of spiritual resistance. It means that even when a corrupt system or a harsh environment strips a person of material comfort, it cannot ultimately strip them of their dignity, their peace, or their relationship with God.

Francis teaches that even when good things do not come our way, we should not lose hope or become anxious. If our joy is rooted in the Lord, then our deepest joy cannot truly be taken away. This is why Scripture says in Psalm 16:11, “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” True joy is found in remaining close to God, trusting Him in every situation, and loving Him even in the midst of suffering. Worldly pleasures may satisfy us for a short time, but the joy that comes from God gives peace to the heart even in difficult moments.

Saint Francis was a man who deeply loved the presence of God. He spent much of his life in prayer, silence, and communion with God. He found happiness not in riches or power, but in simply being with God. Francis also experienced God’s presence in creation and in the people around him. This is why, in the Canticle of the Creatures, he called the sun his brother and the moon his sister and praised God through the beauty of creation. To Francis, creation reflected the beauty and goodness of the Creator.

The life of Francis is therefore a challenge to modern society. In a world where many people chase temporary pleasures and external validation, Francis invites us to seek a deeper joy that comes from God. His life teaches us that when we remain in the presence of God, learn to trust Him, and accept life with humility and gratitude, true joy becomes possible even in the midst of suffering.

Perfect Joy, therefore, is not the absence of suffering; it is the presence of Christ in the midst of suffering. It is the freedom to remain faithful when we are rejected, peaceful when we are humiliated, hopeful when circumstances are difficult, and loving when the world gives us reasons to become bitter. This is the Franciscan secret of happiness: to possess Christ is to possess a joy that the world cannot give and cannot take away.