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Saturday, August 7, 2010

Saint Francis by Robert West

Saint Francis by Robert West is a biography of Saint Francis, which begins from his youth through his conversion, devotion to living the Gospels, to his death. During the time in the middle ages where the Church was plagued with corruption, Francis became a fully devout follower of Jesus. Taking a vow of poverty and intensely working on his prayer life, Francis attracted many followers. Francis went from a wild and seemingly ungodly youth to become an example of Christ. It is evident that God had plans for Francis that became apparent in visions or dreams that Francis had.

The book is interesting and it certainly made me want to work on my prayer life. Francis grew to have such a connection with God, it was more than simply prayer. It was enlightening as I didn't know much about St. Francis and I now can see how he became the Patron Saint of animals. Francis believed all creatures revealed God's love, and it can be argued that Francis furthered Jesus's command to love one another to include all of God's creations.

It is also evident that no matter how sinful a person has been, no one is ever too sinful to change and live a life for God - that God can intervene and use you for His purposes. The immediate years before Francis died of illness truly show miraculous signs of God. I won't give it away, but I was astonished of the proof that God physically revealed on Francis that Francis indeed was devoted to God and living by the example of Jesus. It is impossible to deny that Francis was fulfilling God's will.

I don't know who the target audience of the book is, but it felt like it may have been geared to those in high school. No matter what your age is, it is certainly worth reading and I am certain it will inspire.

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