Jesus, brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph, is greeted by the watchman Simeon as «a sign of contradiction [...] that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed» (Lk 2:34-35).
Francis, in the time in which he lives and following the example of Christ, incarnates, as herald of the Great King, being a prophet and becoming a sign of contradiction, an indispensable condition for entering the Kingdom of God.
A sign of contradiction because he is the bearer of a new world, which leaves behind the remnants of the old one, far removed from the Love that came down from Heaven.
The Sources offer several examples of this being the germ of a new way of thinking.
We read:
"The man of God, wounded by his father's curses, chose a despised poor man as his father and said to him:
"Come with me, and I will give you part of my alms. When you see my father curse me, I will say to you: Bless me, O father! - And thou shalt make the sign of the cross upon me and bless me in his stead'.
As the poor man blessed him thus, the man of God said to his father:
"Do you not think that the Lord can give me a father who, against your curses, will cover me with blessings?".
Many of those who mocked him, seeing him endure all those tribulations with patience, were struck with awe and admiration" (FF 1423).
«Sign of contradiction [...] that the thoughts of many hearts might be revealed» (Lk 2:34-35)
And again, moved by the Spirit, he prophesied concerning St Clare and her sisters:
"There were also other people to help him with the restorations. Francis, radiant with joy, said in a loud voice, in French, to his neighbours and to those who passed by:
"Come, help me in these works! Know that a monastery of ladies will be built here, and by the fame of their holy life, our heavenly Father will be glorified throughout the church'.
He was animated by a prophetic spirit, and foretold what would actually happen.
It was precisely in the sacred place of San Damiano that the glorious and admirable Order of poor women and holy virgins was happily initiated by Francis, about six years after his conversion" (FF 1426).
"Many made fun of him, persuaded that he had given them the run-around; others were pitied to the point of tears, seeing that young man pass so quickly from a life of pleasures and caprices to an existence transfigured by the intoxication of divine love. But he, heedless of ridicule, gave fervent thanks to God" (FF 1421).
Yes, this child who became a bold young man, leaving the merry band, is transformed by Grace into that indisputable sign of contradiction that brings to light the truth that dwells in every heart, in the footsteps of Christ.
And, when the mission was accomplished, before his brothers, having himself placed on the bare ground, he reminded them that he had pledged to do his part and that the Lord would instruct them to do theirs.
29 December - fifth day between the Octave of Christmas (Lk 2:22-35)
