There are two parts to this illustration. Firstly, Francis strips himself naked of all the worldly possessions and these that used to surround Francis, do not tempt him like they used to. Francis is at peace as the bishop steps forward to cover him with his cloak and he is now committed to living for God and God alone. 

Yet, Francis clutches something in his arms — the church that he will focus on rebuilding both physically and spiritually.  This was the original call of Jesus on the San Damiano Cross: “Go Francis, restore my Church which you see is falling down”.

Musing: How can you better understand and purse the courageous act of stripping off everything so as to be restored by God from within?