Poslušnost sv. Franje Asiškoga u odnosu prema Crkvi kao instituciji
OBEDIENCE OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI TO THE CHURCH AS AN INSTITUTION

Summary/Abstract: St Francis of Assisi did not leave any theological commentary on the Church; nevertheless, we can say that he was an expert on the situation within it. He came into contact with the Church in his everyday, practical life (sacraments, liturgy etc.). We can say that he embodied the teaching of the Catholic Church. He lived in a time of multiple heresies and divisions within the Church. Even though he did not agree with its way of living he, paradoxically, remained resolutely under its wing, in a kind of loyal opposition. He returned to the Church’s roots, to the Gospel and lived according to these precepts in all their radicality. He especially emphasised his connection to the Church in the Siena Testament (six months before his death), the substance of which had already been prescribed and anticipated in the Rule of 1223: “Brother Francis promises obedience and reverence to the Lord Pope Honorius and to his successors canonically elected and to the Roman Church” (RegB 1,2). The consistency and strictness of St Francis were also reflected in his attitude towards liturgy: “Let the clerics perform the Divine Office according to the order of the holy Roman Church” (RegB 3,1). Finally we mention Francis’ respect for all people, all servants of the Church, priests and clerics. He saw his attachment to the Church as the safest way to avoid error and heresy. The Church was for him a safe haven and a guarantor of true faith and authentic liturgy. He may also have sought the support of the Church because it was for him a surrogate father and mother. Francis was not only a man of emotion and inspiration but also a great mystic. The Lord brought him into the arms of the Church through the Gospel. In the Church and according to the sacraments of the Church he began to discover the Lord Jesus, present in body and word. Mary and the Church have for him the same calling, the same mission, and thus receive the same honour. For St Francis the mystery of the Church may have been simply a steppingstone, while his faith and trust in the Church were a test of his faith in Christ, the greatest mystery.

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