Novena to Saint Francis of Assisi day 1
Prayer before the crucifix of San Damiano
Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart.
Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect charity.
Fill me with understanding and knowledge that I may fulfill your command.
Major Legend 5.7
Although Francis encouraged his brothers with all their efforts to lead a sober life, however, he was not in favor of an uncompromising severity, that is, a life without mercy. Proof of this is the following fact.
One night, a brother who fasted several days ago felt tormented with such a terrible hunger that he could not be calm. Realizing San Francisco, he called the brother, prepared the table with food and - to avoid any possible shame - he began to eat first, sweetly inviting the suffering brother, who he also ate.
The brother overcame his shame and took the necessary food, feeling very comfortable, because, thanks to the saint's prudent action, he had overcome his bodily fading, and had also received a great example of edification. The next morning, the man of God, Francisco, called his brothers and told them what happened that night, adding this prudent recommendation: «Brothers, to serve as an example, in this case, not so much food, but love ».
He also taught them to keep discretion, as a regulator of virtues; but not the discretion that the flesh suggests, but that which Christ taught, a true example of perfection.
Meditation
St. Francis worked hard to be faithful to Jesus, praying, giving thanks for all things received from God, and also practicing justice with whom the Lord had given him to live life together in fraternity. Francisco was demanding of himself and kind to others. This is a sample of the justice he discovered in his Lord, and that he should practice with his brothers. This is stated in the reading we just heard.
Imagine Francisco de Asís, a young man who after having everything, wanted to follow the Lord who called him and decided to leave everything, and wanted to be faithful to that call. Therefore, his life was of penance and prayer. He was fasting for a long time because he said that Christ also did it, and he wanted to do the same. On one occasion, as we heard, a brother who was fasting also felt hungry, that natural desire to eat, to eat food to regain strength; and with all the depth that St. Francis lived his life. His devotion and commitment were not an obstacle to neglecting his fast and attending to his partner's call.
It is a true renunciation of himself for the sake of a brother, who has his foundation in love, as he now says to us: "Brothers, may love serve as an example." This beautiful story helps us discover that our justice must be grounded in love, so that it is true evangelical justice, in the same way that Christ practiced it, giving each man and woman what they needed, attending to the needs of others. May this passage also be useful for us to be attentive to what love demands of each one of us, whether at home or at work, in the church or on the street, in our family and with our neighbors, and practice the merciful justice that Jesus made known to us.
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