Jesus advises his disciples not to consider anyone an enemy, even more so when acting in his Name.
Francis always thought and acted in the name of the Lord. Everything was done starting from Him.
The Sources are shot through with acting 'in the name of the Lord'.
We read:
"When he had chosen the group he intended to take with him, Francis said to those brothers:
"In the name of the Lord, go two by two through the streets, with dignity [...]" (FF 1636).
But he also performed healings in the name of the Lord Jesus wherever he was.
The Sources attest:
"The man of God Francis had accustomed himself to seek not his own interest, but above all what he saw necessary for the salvation of his neighbour" (FF 444).
In fact, passing through the diocese of Narni, at Sangemini he was hosted, with three brothers, by a man of great virtue, whose wife was possessed by a demon.
This pious person turned devoutly to the Saint, begging him to heal her.
Francis consented since it was a matter of the glory of God and the good of many.
Calling his brothers he said to them:
"Let us pray to the Lord, brothers, for this woman, that she may be freed from the yoke of the devil, to the praise of God. Let us be one on each side, lest the evil one deceive us and escape us" (FF 441).
After praying, with the virtue of the Holy Spirit, he approached the ossessa, who was in convulsions and screaming.
The saint said: "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, by obedience I command you, O demon, to leave this creature and dare not torment it any more!"
He had scarcely uttered those words, that the devil departed very quickly with great uproar and fury, so much so that the holy father, by the sudden recovery of the woman and the prompt obedience of the enemy, thought he had deluded himself, and hastened away from him with blushes, this working of Divine Providence, to prevent him from falling into pride" (FF 441).
The friend of God cast out demons in the Name of the Lord Jesus!
Francis and his brothers worked in unity with God, with an exemplary life and entrusted to the Spirit of the Lord and his holy operation.
Wednesday, 7th wk. in O.T. (Mk 9:38-40)