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Grant that I may not seek so much to be
understood as to understand.

The Sultan al-Kamil's holy men suggested they be beheaded.  However, a miracle occurred when al-Kamil decided to grant them an audience disregarding their desire for his conversion.  (My guess is that Francis' presence and openness to accepting others secured this important opportunity) 

What a scene it must have been when the two met. 

Imagine:

One man. . . small, sickly, barefoot, dressed in a worn and tattered robe, having given everything to the less fortunate.

Another man. . . clothed in luxury and splendor, displaying the opulence of self wealth.

Grant that I may not seek so much to be
loved as to love.

However, there were common threads, They both believed in a peaceful existence (the sultan had offered unbelievable concessions to the Europeans in an attempt to resolve the conflict).  In addition, Brother Francis' contemplative nature was much closer to the Sufi traditions of the Muslims than the dogmatic religious perspectives of his fellow Europeans.  They also found common ground in their love of the creative process and artistic expression.

It is in giving
that we receive.

Thus a relationship was opened and the Franciscans were entertained by al-Kamil and his court for the next six days.  Apparently, there was considerable exchange of ideas with both parties finding value in the other's perceptions.

It is in pardoning
that we are pardoned.

We must assume that there was something about Francis' demeanor that resulted in this unbelievable acceptance by al-Kamil.  Perhaps it was his ability to remain "present" and non-threatened by his captors, or maybe it was his strong belief in his initial objective to convert the Muslims, and the fact that he risked death to accomplish it.

Concluding the visit, al-Kamil offered Francis gifts of great wealth to assist in his work which, of course, Francis declined.  He also arranged safe transport for Francis back to the European lines.  Francis' request for the opportunity to visit the important sites in the Holy Lands was also granted. 

One reference I found shared the following conclusions:

The Sultan not only dismissed Francis in peace, with wonder and admiration for the man's unusual qualities, but received him fully into his favor, gave him a safe-conduct by which he might go and come, with full permission to preach to his subjects, and an entreaty that he would frequently return to visit him. 

Certainly, this suggests that the sultan regarded Francis as more than a mere fellow traveler, nor did he appear to pose a threat to the orthodoxy of Islam.  In fact, it suggests that Francis may have been sympathetic to many Muslim beliefs. 

Francis, A Saint's Way by: James Cowan
 

Grant that I may not seek so much to be
understood as to understand.

Francis soon witnessed the European's destruction of Damietta, Egypt.  Carrying feelings of great failure in spite of his successful sharing with al-Kamil, Francis departed for his home. 

(There were two more crusades that occurred after this one.  Then, in spite of all the lives that had been lost,  the Europeans grew weary of attempting to control the Holy Lands and left.  The discovery of the New World had opened more and easier options.)

It is in dying that we are
born to eternal life.

Francis' return to Italy was marked by important changes in his life, most likely influenced by his sharing and learning about the Sufi traditions and his deteriorating health. 

He lost interest in affecting the social and political organization of his brotherhood, and he became more and more contemplative, choosing instead (like the Sufis) to spend his time in prayer and solitude.

Today, 900 years later, this little Italian is still very much "alive".   Many of us refer to him as the PATRON SAINT of ALL RELIGIONS.  

Thank you, Brother Francis, for showing us ANOTHER WAY.

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me so love.
Where there is doubt, faith.
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;
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

What Can I Do?   As I conclude my writing about Francis' experience with the Holy Lands, I feel he has left me with three important messages.

1. I have much more potential to affect others (expanding infinitely into the cosmos) than I realize or have actualized.
    

2. I need to remain aware that I am not here to change others.  Instead, my role is to meet equally with them, seeking a common thread for sharing that will benefit us all.
    

3. My actions based upon fear and/or a desire to control only result in negative consequences for all involved. Instead, I must listen closely and carefully for the voice of reason that speaks to all of humanity.

What can YOU do?

 This article is underwritten by
The Collecting Consort
Listen to: Our gently healing music CDs

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