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I have just come back from a few days away, in Assisi. I have never been before. It is, allegedly, one of those 'thin' places, where the distance between heaven and earth is so slim it is virtually non-existent - or so people believe.

And I can see why. Assisi is truly a beautiful place; the art work, the architecture, and the surrounding landscape. However, I think the thing that struck me most was the people. There was an extraordinary gathering of people, from all over the world, young and old, the sick and the healthy, the religious and the curious, the certain and the doubtful. The streets were full of pilgrim groups, walking together, singing, 'Alleluia', praising God unashamedly and openly as they walked from one holy place to another.

I couldn’t help pondering what a huge impact Francis, his cousin Clare and their companions must have had on their city. What reckless youth they were!  I expect some of the older generation thought they were barking! Yet their wholehearted obedience to follow Jesus Christ has been a lasting example to many people, throughout the world.

I hope to be that dedicated - although I expect I like shoes, fine dining and comfort far too much. However, I have found myself saying and singing along with St Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

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