And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life

Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, is known for his profound teachings on humility, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. One of his most famous quotes is, “And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” This statement encapsulates the core belief of Francis that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a higher state of being.

For Saint Francis, death was not something to be feared, but rather embraced as a natural part of the cycle of life. He saw death as a gateway to eternal life, a release from the physical constraints of the body and a reunion with the divine. In his view, death was not an end, but a new beginning, a transformation from the material world to the spiritual realm.

Francis lived his life in accordance with this belief, embracing poverty, simplicity, and selflessness as a means of preparing for the ultimate transition to eternal life. He renounced his wealth and worldly possessions, choosing instead to live a life of service to others and devotion to God. Through his actions, he demonstrated that true fulfillment and happiness come not from material wealth or power, but from a deep connection to the divine and a life lived in service to others.

In his famous Canticle of the Sun, Saint Francis praises God for the beauty and interconnectedness of all creation, recognizing that even in death, all living beings are part of a larger cosmic order. He saw death not as an end, but as a return to the source of all life, a reunion with the divine that transcends the limitations of the physical world.