The evangelist Mk portrays Jesus surrounded by crowds, so much so that he had no time even for himself. And his own go to pick him up, considering him "out of his mind".
Francis of Assisi was often considered 'the fool' of Christ.
His living the Gospel 'sine glossa' was incomprehensible to many.
On the other hand, he himself considered himself crazy for the Lord.
"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 whims to an existence transfigured by the intoxication of divine love.
But he, heedless of ridicule, gave fervent thanks to God.
How much he struggled in those restorations would be long and difficult to recount.
Used to every delicacy in his father's house, here he was now carrying stones on his shoulders, suffering many sacrifices to serve God" (FF 1421).
The spirit of prophecy shone in Francis, but when he exposed himself, it happened that he was taken for a fool, because the wisdom of the poor was despised, while the heart of the righteous proclaimed true things.
"When the Christian army was besieging Damiata, the man of God was also there, armed not with weapons but with faith.
The 'day of battle' came when the Christians had decided to storm the city.
When he heard this decision, the servant of Christ, coming out in loud laments, said to his companion:
"If the assault is attempted, the Lord has revealed to me that it will not go well for the Christians. But if I say this, they will think me a fool; if I keep silent, I cannot escape the reproach of conscience. So: what seems best to you?"
His companion answered him: "Brother, do not worry at all about people's judgement: it is not the first time you have been judged mad. Free your conscience and fear God more than men".
At these words, the herald of Christ confronts the crusaders, full of impetus, and, concerned to save himself from danger, tries to prevent the attack, foretells defeat.
But the truth is taken for a fable: they hardened their hearts and would not convert [...].
The ranks of Christians returned decimated by a terrible slaughter: about six thousand dead and prisoners' (FF 1190).
«And he came to the House; and again the crowd gathered, so that they could not even eat bread. And when they had heard, they [those around him] went out to get him, because they said: He is outside himself» (Mk 3:20-21)
Saturday 2nd wk. in O.T. (Mk 3,20-21)
