In today's Gospel verses Jesus calls us to love one another, as He has loved us, to the end.
In the life of Francis, this commandment shone particularly bright.
He loved his own with a predilection and cared for the poor and those lepers once abhorred.
The Sources inform us with significant passages.
"From then on he clothed himself with the spirit of poverty, an intimate feeling of humility and deep piety.
Whereas before he abhorred not only the company of lepers, but even seeing them from a distance, now, because of the crucified Christ, who, according to the words of the prophet, took on the despicable appearance of a leper, he served them with humility and gentleness, aiming at full self-loathing.
He often visited the homes of lepers; he generously gave them alms and with great compassion and affection kissed their hands and faces.
Even for the poor beggars he longed to spend not only his goods, but even himself.
Sometimes he would strip off his clothes for them, sometimes he would tear them to pieces, when he had nothing else to give.
He also assisted poor priests with reverence and piety, providing especially for the altar furnishings, thus becoming a sharer in divine worship, while providing for the needs of the ministers of worship" (FF 1036).
For the Poverello, giving his life for his friends was daily bread and joy of heart.
He had taught the brothers to help their brother in need and in danger, ready to give their lives so that the other might be.
In the Legend of the Three Companions
"One day when two brothers were walking together, they came across a madman, who started throwing stones at them.
One of them, seeing that the stones were directed at his companion, immediately stepped in front of him, preferring to be hit himself instead of his brother.
Such was the mutual love that inflamed them, and so sincerely were they ready to lay down their lives for one another" (FF 1447).
And again:
"To those who wanted to enter the Order, the Saint taught to repudiate the world first, offering to God first the external goods, then to make the interior gift of themselves" (FF 667).
Mutual love was his fixed ideal, thinking of what the Saviour had suffered so that we might be One.
«This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you» (Jn 15:12)
Friday of the 5th wk. in Easter (Jn 15:12-17)
