Even in suffering, Francis experienced confidence and joy from:
+ the experience of the fatherhood of God;
+ the invincible faith of rising with Christ to eternal life;
+ the experience of being able to meet and praise the Creator in the universal fraternity of all creatures.
(From the FUN Manual “Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order”-Theresa Baker, OFS)
Questions to Ponder (for discussion)
+What were some of the sufferings St. Francis endured in his lifetime? What
can we learn from his sufferings?
can we learn from his sufferings?
+Would you know how to explain
“Perfect Joy?” (Read about “Perfect Joy” attached or in the Little Flowers.)
“Perfect Joy?” (Read about “Perfect Joy” attached or in the Little Flowers.)
+What role does suffering play in our lives?
+How do you view suffering?
+Is suffering a punishment or an opportunity to enter into the sufferings of Christ?
TRUE AND PERFECT JOY
One day at Saint Mary [of the Angels] blessed Francis called Brother Leo and said: “Brother Leo, write.” 2He responded: “Look, I’m ready!” 3“Write,” he said, “what true joy is.”
4“A messenger arrives and says that all the Masters of Paris have entered the Order. Write: this isn’t true joy! 5Or, that all the prelates, archbishops and bishops beyond the mountains, as well as the King of France and the King of England [have entered the Order]. Write: this isn’t true joy!
6Again, that my brothers have gone to the non-believers and converted all of them to the faith; again, that I have so much grace from God that I heal the sick and perform many miracles. I tell you true joy doesn’t consist in any of these things.”
7“Then what is true joy?”
8“I return from Perugia and arrive here in the dead of night. It’s winter time, muddy, and so cold that icicles have formed on the edges of my habit and keep striking my legs and blood flows from such wounds. 9Freezing, covered with mud and ice, I come to the gate and, after I’ve knocked and called for some time, a brother comes and asks: ‘Who are you?’ ‘Brother Francis,’ I answer. 10‘Go away!’ he says. ‘This is not a decent hour to be wandering about! You may not come in!’ 11When I insist, he replies: ‘Go away! You are simple and stupid! Don’t come back to us again! There are many of us here like you—we don’t need you!’
12I stand again at the door and say: ‘For the love of God, take me in tonight!" 13And he replies: ‘I will not! 14Go to the Crosiers’ place and ask there!’ 15“I tell you this: If I had patience and did not become upset, true joy, as well as true virtue and the salvation of my soul, would consist in this.”
Pax et bonum
