The Journey of Addition: Embracing What Brings Us Closer
St. Francis of Assisi's poignant declaration, "Add to me whatever brings me closer," invites us into a profound exploration of our relationship with the divine and the world around us. This simple yet powerful phrase encapsulates a desire for growth, a yearning for connection, and an openness to transformation. In a world often marked by distraction and disconnection, this call to add what nurtures our spiritual journey resonates deeply, urging us to seek out experiences, relationships, and practices that draw us nearer to the essence of love and truth.
At its core, this quote challenges us to reflect on what we allow into our lives. It is not merely about accumulation but rather about intentionality—choosing to embrace those elements that foster a deeper communion with the divine. This perspective shifts our focus from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, where we recognize that the journey toward closeness is enriched by the contributions of others, our environment, and our own inner work. In this light, St. Francis's words become a guiding principle for living a life steeped in purpose and connection.
The image / the metaphor
The imagery in St. Francis's quote evokes a sense of openness and receptivity. The verb "add" suggests an active engagement with life, a willingness to welcome new experiences and insights that enhance our spiritual path. It implies a dynamic process, where we are not passive recipients but active participants in our journey toward closeness with the divine. The phrase "brings me closer" further emphasizes the relational aspect of spirituality, highlighting that our growth is often intertwined with our interactions with others and the world.
Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that the act of adding is not simply about external acquisitions but also about internal transformations. It invites us to consider what we might need to let go of in order to make space for what truly nourishes our souls. This duality of addition and subtraction reflects a holistic approach to spiritual growth, where we curate our lives with intention, seeking to align ourselves with the divine presence that permeates all existence. In this way, St. Francis's call becomes a clarion call for discernment and mindfulness in our spiritual practices.
In the speaker's tradition
St. Francis of Assisi's teachings are deeply rooted in the tradition of Franciscan spirituality, which emphasizes humility, simplicity, and a profound connection to creation. Central to this tradition is the concept of "kenosis," or self-emptying, which invites individuals to release their ego-driven desires in favor of a more profound union with God. This aligns beautifully with the idea of adding only that which brings us closer, as it encourages us to seek out those experiences that foster humility and openness to divine grace.
In the context of Franciscan spirituality, we can also draw parallels to the Buddhist concept of "sunyata," or emptiness, which invites practitioners to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings. Just as St. Francis sought to embrace all of creation as a reflection of the divine, so too does the notion of sunyata encourage us to see beyond the illusion of separateness. This interconnectedness enriches our understanding of what it means to add to our lives—recognizing that every relationship, every experience, and every moment holds the potential to draw us closer to the divine source of love.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where this teaching can be applied: a busy professional grappling with the demands of work and personal life. In the quest for success, one might find themselves overwhelmed and disconnected from their true self. By embracing St. Francis's call to "add to me whatever brings me closer," this individual could begin to evaluate their commitments, seeking out activities that nourish their spirit—perhaps engaging in volunteer work, spending time in nature, or cultivating deeper relationships with loved ones. Each of these choices serves as an addition that fosters a sense of closeness to both self and the divine.
In a different context, imagine a relationship strained by misunderstandings and unspoken grievances. Here, the teaching of St. Francis can serve as a guiding principle for healing. By consciously choosing to add open communication, empathy, and forgiveness into the relationship, both partners can create a space that nurtures connection and understanding. This intentional act of addition transforms the dynamic, allowing love to flourish and drawing both individuals closer not only to each other but also to their shared spiritual journey.
A reflection
As we contemplate the essence of St. Francis's words, we are invited to reflect on our own lives: What are we currently adding that brings us closer to our true selves and to the divine? In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, this question encourages us to engage in a process of discernment, examining our choices and their impact on our spiritual journey. By embracing this inquiry, we open ourselves to the possibility of transformation, allowing the grace of addition to guide us toward a more profound connection with the sacred.
