Naked, we came into this world
A Franciscan View by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

As I live and witness the aftermath of two hurricanes, "Frances" (Sep. 5, 2004) and "Jeanne" (Sep. 25, 2004), and the general anxiety level these two storms have created by causing many to become homeless and set adrift from their normal daily routine, I am once again strongly reminded of St. Francis of Assisi. Material things meant nothing to St. Francis. If they had been taken away by a storm he would still have rejoiced in God's goodness as his did when he was refused entry into a friary on that stormy night. Having a bed to sleep in, and a roof over one's head was taken away from St. Francis in his story of ‘Perfect Joy’. As a Franciscan, loyal to the ways of St. Francis, I tried not to complain as I stayed in my house without the comforts of life (air-conditioning and lights) for almost a week after Hurricane Jeanne, reminding myself that at the time of St. Francis, air-conditioning had not been invented yet, nor had electricity!

When Jesus trod this earth with the Apostles, there was no electricity either, and people walked from city to city, probably very similar to St. Francis in his time. There is, however, a beauty in walking that is oft overlooked: meeting people along the way. As people met St. Francis, they often joined him and became a part of his flock. Nowadays, people who meet on a train may never meet again. But when you break bread with someone you meet along the way, in your distant walk, and sleep under their roof, that makes a more lasting impression. Those experiences are remembered longer.

Material things can be replaced, but it isn't that easy. One person lost the south wall to his mobile home. When that happens, public authorities may condemn the unit, but then what.... where does he find a place to stay in a city that has no rental space available? There are thousands who were in the same situation. The knowledge that with a condemned building go years of memories, personal artifacts, photographs, now probably all sopping wet. What does one do? I met a very elderly lady at that time, who told us that she had lost everything - she was over 90. What can one do? Schools became public shelters, but schools are now again open for classes - so where do these displaced people go? They cannot stay in their damaged houses. Electric companies will not given them power when a unit is condemned. There is really not much alternative housing. What would St. Francis have done? He would have opened his friaries and invited the homeless in. Can we open our homes to at least one person in need? That is, for those who have an extra bed available?

There was some trauma on my part, too. My house remained intact, a miracle in itself since I have a manufactured house, but the aluminum carport was partially damaged by the first hurricane and totally damaged by the second, and there are gutters and pipes missing. This stuff needs to be replaced, eventually, and despite insurance, there will still be out-of-pocket expenses to be met. But the real trauma for me was looking out of the window each morning at this mobile home park I'm in, and seeing a sight that reminds one of World War II, destruction everywhere. And also, because of the destruction, displaced people. And after it was all over, I could not afford insurance anymore. To this day, I have none.

Naked, we came into this world. Let's count God's blessings and welcome Him in our midst. St. Francis brought Christ closer to us. Let us walk in Francis's footsteps and bring Christ closer to our friends and neighbors.

Fred Schaeffer, OFS
1/13/2024 (based on notes from 2004)

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