The Matthew passage emphasises the goodness of the Father, who does not give a stone to the son who asks for bread. Then here is the golden rule: what one wants for oneself, it is good to do for others.
For Francis of Assisi, giving to those in need was a law of life. This verb, 'to give', was often replaced by another typically Franciscan one: 'to give back'.
For him, handing over his cloak to a poor man who knocked on the door of his heart meant giving back what he had lent.
On the other hand, as the Gospel says, what we wish to be done to us, we must also do to our neighbour (cf. Mt 7:12).
At the same time, he considered it important and a sign of humility to know how to ask.
After his change of life, obeying the voice of the Crucifix of San Damiano and overcoming himself, he gave himself to countless labours.
The Sources narrate:
"Francis, a man of God, naked of the things of the world, consecrated himself to divine worship and, no longer minding his own advantage, committed himself to serving God in every way possible.
Returning to the church of St Damian, all happy and fervent, he put on a hermit's habit and comforted the priest of that church with the same words of encouragement addressed to him by the bishop.
Then, returning to the city, he began to walk through squares and streets, raising praises to the Lord with an inebriated soul.
As he finished his praises, he worked to obtain the stones needed to restore the church. He would say:
"Whoever gives me one stone, will have one reward; whoever gives me two stones, two rewards; whoever gives me three, as many rewards!"
With ardent enthusiasm he made this and similar appeals full of naivety, for this chosen one of God had a candid and childlike soul, he did not resort to the learned language of human wisdom, but was simple and immediate in everything" (FF 1420).
According to the Poverello, begging for the love of God was the noblest and most dignified gesture before the Lord and the world.
"And indeed, everything the heavenly Father has created for the benefit of mankind, he continues to give to us gratuitously even after sin, to the worthy as well as the unworthy, out of love for his beloved Son" (FF 1610).
«Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you» (Mt 7:7)
Thursday 1st wk. in Lent (Mt 7,7-12)