"Because St. Francis and his companions had been called by God and chosen
to bear the Cross of Christ in their hearts and in their actions and to
preach it by their words, they appeared
to be and they were crucified men, both in their habit and their
austere life and their deeds and their actions. Therefore, they had a
greater desire to receive shame and insults for the love of Christ than
the vain honors or respect or praise of the world. On the contrary, they
rejoiced in being insulted, and they were made sad by being honored.
And so they went through the world as pilgrims and strangers, taking
with them nothing but Christ Crucified."
Saint Francis of Assisi,
from the "Little Flowers of St. Francis"
Saint Francis of Assisi,
from the "Little Flowers of St. Francis"
How rich they must have been to carry Christ in everything they did and everywhere they would go. Though they all looked poor on the outside, they were storing up the riches and treasures of Heaven in side their souls and hearts.
ReplyDeleteThey were the richest of men!
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