Left alone by the disciples, Jesus responds to them by reminding and emphasising his Communion with the Father.
He invites them to Peace, urging them to be courageous - because He has overcome the world.
Francis faced adversity with courage, knowing that it is inevitable for those who love the Kingdom.
The Poor Man met them everywhere, but he related to the trials by singing, because Jesus had triumphed over them.
The Sources tell of an episode that occurred near Caprignone:
"Dressed in rags, he who once adorned himself in purple robes, goes out into a thicket, singing the praises of God in French.
Suddenly, some ruffians rush in on him, brutally asking him who he is.
The man of God responds fearlessly and confidently:
"I am the herald of the great King; does this interest you?".
They beat him and threw him into a pit full of snow, saying:
"Stand there, ye herald of God!"
But he, turning this way and that, shaking off the snow, as soon as the robbers are gone, leaps out of the ditch and, all joyful, resumes singing loudly, filling the forest with praises to the Creator of all things" (FF 346).
Example of courage and trust in the Lord!
Francis, whose name comes from the ancient German and means 'free', just freely continued on his way through the storms of the world.
The courage to which Jesus called, he asked for in prayer.
In the Major Legend it is narrated:
(FF 346) "The fellow citizens, seeing him bleak in the face and changed in spirit, believing him to be out of his mind, threw mud and stones from the streets at him, and, shouting and clamouring, insulted him as a madman, a demented person.
But the servant of God, without becoming discouraged or upset by the insults, passed through the midst of them, as if he were deaf" (FF 1041).
"In the world you have tribulation. But take courage! I have overcome the world' (Jn 16:33).
Monday of the 7th wk. of Easter (Jn 16:29-33)