Francis of Assisi on Interpreting the Bible

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi (whose day is observed on Oct 4 by Roman Catholics), I provide here a brief selection from The Writings of Saint Francis of Assisi. In this excerpt from his “Words of Admonition,” we encounter a perspective on biblical interpretation that is quite relevant for this particular biblical studies blog, as well as for all Christians who seek not only to interpret but also to embody the teachings of Scripture in their lives. Francis offers both a warning and an encouragement:

 

The Apostle says, “the letter killeth, but the spirit quickeneth.” They are killed by the letter who seek only to know the words that they may be esteemed more learned among others and that they may acquire great riches to leave to their relations and friends. And those religious are killed by the letter who will not follow the spirit of the Holy Scriptures, but who seek rather to know the words only and to interpret them to others. And they are quickened by the spirit of the Holy Scriptures who do not interpret materially every text they know or wish to know, but who by word and example give them back to God from whom is all good.*

In the spirit of this excerpt, especially on this day, may we seek to know not only the words of Scripture and their meanings, but also how to embody the “spirit of the Holy Scriptures” in our words and deeds.

*Admonition 7 from The Writings of Saint Francis of Assisi, newly translated into English with an Introduction and Notes by Father Paschal Robinson (Philadelphia: The Dolphin Press, 1906). Available online at: http://oll.libertyfund.org/?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=show.php%3Ftitle=1172