Perennial Wisdom Ep. 245: St. Francis on the Paradox of Joy | Perennial Wisdom
Aug 20, 2025
A reflection on St. Francis and a radical redefinition of joy. Short stories about finding joy in rejection and simple praise. A look at why circumstance-dependent happiness fails. An exploration of letting go, voluntary poverty, and how suffering can be transformed rather than denied.
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Joy Is Found By Letting Go
- St. Francis reframes joy as arising from letting go, not from admiration, success, or pleasure.
- Joy tied to external conditions remains fragile, while humility and emptiness open space for grace.
Rejected But Joyful On A Muddy Road
- J.W. Bertolotti recounts St. Francis walking with Brother Leo in winter, hungry and soaked, and describing rejection as perfect joy.
- The story illustrates joy found in patience amid humiliation, not in seeking suffering but in being unshakable by circumstances.
Loosen Your Grip On Desires
- Ask yourself what you believe you need to be joyful and notice the stories that fuel craving for more.
- Loosen your grip: release the need for admiration, being right, and winning, and say yes to the present.
