ALACRITY

I came upon this lovely word, “alacrity” this week while reading, Surrounded by Love: Seven Teachings from Saint Francis. Author Murray Bodo, OFM, writes of Francis, “Once he knew God’s will, whether from some mystical voice or from listening to the scriptures, he would immediately try to live it out. He was filled with what theologians called, ‘devotion,’ an alacrity in doing God’s will.”

Dictionary.com defines alacrity as “cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness; liveliness; briskness.”

Following God’s will usually seems fairly simple to me: love God, love others, trust and follow the ways of Jesus. Because I do feel joy and hope when I serve this way, I am often able to follow God’s will with “cheerful readiness.”

And yet, St. Francis answered God’s call to some challenging trials with that same fervent enthusiasm.

I may long to share the alacrity of Francis, but rarely do I earnestly pray “your will be done” with liveliness or cheerfulness. I feel a sense of surrender, subconsciously adding “even if this will be difficult” or “even if I am disappointed or heartbroken” to my prayer. Because there have been times when I prayed these words with tears and fears. Because I know that Jesus followed God’s will and his life was very difficult. Because I tend to regard this petition as a spiritual obligation to deny myself and pick up my cross (Luke 9:23). And in those rare times when I have sensed a specific call in my life, I may have accepted it willingly and enthusiastically–but also with plenty of fear and doubt.

Perhaps the source of Francis’ alacrity is this other word–devotion. St. Francis was fully devoted to God, and even more, he knew God was fully devoted to him. Seeing their relationship as one of mutual devotion, Francis trusted that God loved him, God’s intentions for him were good, and God would accompany him through every joy and sorrow, blessing and trial.

God has initiated this relationship of mutual devotion with us, so we too, can have an alacrity for doing God’s will. In mutual devotion, God provides partnership, companionship, comfort, encouragement, and direction for every trouble we encounter in this earthly life. When I pray “your will be done,” I can trust that God’s will for us is benevolent. God’s will is hopeful, gracious, and eternal–far beyond my daily trials or sorrows. God’s will is that “…our joy may be complete,” no matter how the day unfolds.

(I am posting my weekly post a few days early.)
Photo by Karen, Hocking Hills, Ohio. This speaks to me of God’s love flowing freely to bring us joy.