since my friend and former pastor dan erlander came to connecticut to lecture on st. francis earlier this fall, i've been really excited to explore a piece of st. francis' story i'd never heard before. and what might that be? his visit to the sultan, melek-al-kamil.
a remarkable story. this was during the crusades and francis thought he would be killed. instead, he was allowed to preach to the sultan, who did not convert, but was moved by francis' piety and francis was deeply impacted as well.
so i'm reading about this over christmas. and along side this, i'm reading a new book on that era, a book on the history of the first crusade. i think understanding this era and this particular incident have much to offer us today.
how else to respond to the prince of peace who comes to dwell in me and in our world, seeking by his own body to turn it towards the reign of love.
anon, and +peace
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