The Pardon of Assisi

Homily for the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels

The Wisdom of Ben Sira, the book from which we read today derives its title from the name of the author, “Yeshua [Jesus], son of Eleazar, son of Sira.” The author, a sage who lived in Jerusalem, was thoroughly imbued with love for the wisdom tradition, and also for the law, the priesthood, the Temple, and divine worship. As a wise and experienced observer of life he addressed himself to his contemporaries with the motive of helping them to maintain religious faith and integrity through study of the books sacred to the Jewish tradition. The reading for today is a poetic and profound chapter, a rich meditation on Wisdom, personified as a divine figure who dwells among God's people.

Wisdom declares that she came forth from the mouth of the Most High and covered the earth like a mist. She was created from eternity and will never cease to exist. God commands Wisdom to dwell in Jacob and take root in Israel. She finds her resting place in Jerusalem and ministers in the holy tabernacle. Wisdom is compared to majestic trees and fragrant plants — the cedars of Lebanon, the palm trees of En-gedi, and the rose plants of Jericho — symbolizing her strength, beauty, and spiritual nourishment. She calls out to those who desire her, promising that those who partake of her will never be confounded and will always hunger for more of her truth. If you are drawn to poetic theology, this chapter of the Bible is a gem.

Our response to this reading is taken from Psalm 34 which is also designated as one of the wisdom psalms. Written by King David who was fresh from the experience of being rescued, it was meant to teach those who are defenseless to trust in God alone. God will make them powerful and give them protection. The psalm it used extensively in the lectionary as each verse of the psalm is able to stand on its own and provide the reader with a mantra that can be recited throughout the day.

The Portiuncula Indulgence, also known as the Pardon of Assisi, is a beautiful tradition rooted in the Franciscan heritage, celebrated annually on August 2nd, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula. In 1216, St. Francis of Assisi had a vision in which Jesus and the Virgin Mary granted him the indulgence for anyone who visited the tiny chapel he had rebuilt with true contrition and confession. Francis then sought approval from Pope Honorius III, who granted the indulgence. Over time, the Church extended it to any Catholic church visited on August 2nd with the right intentions.

While praying in the tiny chapel of St. Mary of the Angels Francis was immersed in deep contemplation and humility. Tradition holds that Christ and the Virgin Mary appeared to him, surrounded by a radiant light and accompanied by angels. At St. Peter’s Church in Chicago’s Loop, a church which is known for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the nave of the Church features a huge painting of this vision on the east wall of the Church. It is a powerful reminder of mercy, humility, and the spiritual renewal that St. Francis championed.

As we celebrate this feast today, we are reminded that every Eucharistic Liturgy is celebrated recalling the reconciliation that is won for us by the sacrifice of Jesus on a cross on Mt. Calvary.