In chapter sixteen of John, addressing his disciples, Jesus makes it clear that it is good for Him to return to the Father, otherwise the Paraclete will not come to them: the Spirit who bears witness to the Truth.
Francis, in continuous prayer, considered it the greatest treasure of his existence.
Without the Holy Spirit he could neither speak nor act according to God.
Indeed, in the Major Legend, we find an episode that confirms this:
"Once, when he was to preach before the Pope and the cardinals, at the suggestion of the Cardinal of Ostia he had sent down from memory a discourse he had drawn up with every care.
Except that, when he found himself there in the midst, at the moment of uttering those edifying words, he forgot everything and could not utter a single sentence.
So, after humbly and sincerely exposing his embarrassment, he began to invoke the Grace of the Holy Spirit.
Immediately the words began to flow so abundantly, so efficacious in moving and bending the hearts of those illustrious people, that it was clearly evident that it was not he who was speaking, but the Spirit of the Lord' (FF 1211).
And again:
"The Spirit of the Lord, who had anointed and sent him, assisted his servant Francis wherever he went; Christ himself, the power and wisdom of God, assisted him.
That is why his words overflowed with sound doctrine and his miracles were so splendid and effective.
His word was like a blazing fire, penetrating the depths of the heart and filling the minds with admiration; it did not display the elegance of rhetoric, but had the fragrance and the breath of divine revelation" (FF 1210).
Francis' vocation and his mission were truly an Epiphany of the Spirit, who dwelt in him and his fraternity. Manifestation that still testifies to the holy operation that took place in his amazing journey of faith, encouraging every creature on his path.
"If I do not go, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (Jn 16:7).
Tuesday, 6th wk. of Easter (Jn 16:5-11)