45. A salutation of the virtues
In the previous reflection it was pointed out how Francis saw all the virtues in Mary and prayed that we be given a share in these virtues. But Francis also wrote a salutation to the virtues themselves. It is informative to note which virtues he selected and how he saw the relation of one to another. He addresses Wisdom as the Queen of the virtues while holy, pure Simplicity is the sister of Wisdom. Francis personifies all the virtues and this was already a long tradition in the Bible especially for Wisdom. In the book of Wisdom we read: I loved her [Wisdom] and sought her from my youth and I desired to take her for my bride [8:2]. Francis then speaks of Lady holy Poverty with her sister, holy Humility. The sister of holy Lady Charity is holy Obedience. Wisdom, simplicity, poverty, humility and obedience are virtues that can easily be recognized in the life of Francis. Francis points out then that to possess any of these virtues one must first die. Francis began to die to his worldly values when he embraced the leper and then, as he says, left the world and its attitudes. The result is that whoever possesses one of these virtues and does not offend the others possesses all. Not only are they possessed but they in turn drive out the opposite vices, for example, holy Wisdom confounds Satan and all his cunning, while holy Poverty confounds the desire for riches, greed, and all the cares of this world. This salutation of the virtues is a hymn to God who protects us in such a wonderful way as the virtues bind us in obedience to the Spirit.
