Peace of Heart (30 Days with a Great Spiritual Teacher)

by Francis of Assisi

mystical renaissance is at work in our world. Like a subtle field of grace that surrounds our world, individuals everywhere are exploring the seductive invitation to develop a joyful and intimate relationship with God. In keeping with the nature of this mystical awakening, more and more people are discovering the need to develop a more refined spiritual path. This new path that so many are drawn to today embodies characteristics once so familiar to the great mystics of the medieval and Renaissance eras. These mystics, our great spiritual teachers, include Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, Francis of Assisi, St. John the Evangelist, Meister Eckhart, Francis de Sales, Catherine of Siena, Therese of Lisieux, Evelyn Underhill, and Mother Teresa in modern times.

The mystics knew when to hold tight to their faith, especially when they were confronted with attacks from both inside and outside their monasteries. Attacks came mostly from those who envied the stamina in the souls of these saints.

Life is an ongoing journey of change and choice, a surrendering of the old and a trust in new beginnings. What these saints ultimately realized-and revealed to others-is that refining a relationship with God is the life choice on which all else is built.

These wonderful mystics are enjoying a renewed popularity precisely because so many people are recognizing the need to find the Sacred once again.

Life is an empty journey without the companionship of God. And developing a sense of Divine intimacy requires time set aside to be with God in prayer, reflection, and contemplation.

You will find in these pages an almost relentless emphasis on real poverty and its necessary companion, humility. This is so not just because these virtues are the key to Franciscan spirituality, but because in the view of Francis-and the Gospels-they are the key to Christianity, the rock bottom message of Jesus.