Sometimes Francis was so exuberant about his love for God and God’s creation that he could not contain himself. One night as he wandered through the streets, alone with his prayers, he gazed at the moon. The moon was particularly beautiful that night and Francis was so overwhelmed that he snuck into the church bell tower and wildly rang the bells until the sleeping Assisians stumbled from their beds and out into the streets thinking they were under attack. "Look at the moon! Look at the moon!" called a rapturous Francis. Needless to say, the people were less than pleased and they stalked back to their houses grumbling about "that madman," leaving an abashed Francis to admire the moon in silence.
Did you know that the earth doesn’t rotate around the sun in exactly the same path every year? Each month we can see the moon in a different way, sometimes closer to us, sometimes farther away, depending on the tilt of the earth on her axis. The next full moon is Monday, April 5th. May’s full moon is Tuesday, May 4th, when we will also see a total lunar eclipse. If you can, take a few minutes to go outside on those nights and gaze at the moon. Think of the moon that night as a gift from a loving God to you, His beloved child. Marvel at her loveliness. Pray Francis’ words: "Praised be You, my Lord, for Sister Moon and for the stars. You have hung them in heaven shining and precious and fair." Try to capture the awestruck adoration of Francis that night when he gazed at the moon during his prayers.