Here is how the Lord gave me, Brother Francis, the grace to begin doing penance. When I was still living as a poor sinner, the sight of lepers was extremely distressing for me. But the Lord himself led me to mingle among them and I was able to show them mercy, healing and taking care of them, with all of my heart. In return, what had seemed so distressing to me became a delicacy for my body and soul. A short time after, I said farewell to the world.

Francis's testament

Meditation : 

Francis evokes purification and clarification of his physical senses. At first, he is confused: all his senses intermingle in darkness. He was instructed by God to take care of the lepers, the untouchables of his time who were most feared. "I showed them mercy (Mat. 25)-. He visited, washed and took care of them. He became one with them. These encounters make Francis examen his own grief and hurt. Without realising it, Francis has met Christ through the lepers. His three senses: view, taste, and touch harmonize into a perfect balance. His soul and body now work as one, turning his life completely inside out. It is the accomplishment of the sign of God.
Murielle Chevalier, secular Franciscan - Paris

Resolution for the Day

Does the gentleness of Francis show in our daily attitudes and reactions? What if I took the time today to answer my e-mails and phone calls in a loving manner, instead of responding in a brash or hurtful manner. "A kind word is a breath of God".

Prayer Intention

Dear Lord, help us to accept what upsets us and be able to feel when you are with us.