Today's Gospel emphasises the authoritativeness of Jesus in responding to the arrogant pretension of the Pharisees who asked with what authority he did the works he performed, astounding them.

In Francis, this eloquent trait stemmed from his genuine holiness, rooted in humility, which silenced all insubordination among the brothers and the common people.

The humility of the Minim in the Assisian community made every hidden or overt pretension silent.

In the Sources there are interesting passages on this subject:

"Since his conversion, Francis, with the help of the Lord, founded himself and his house, that is, the Order, as a wise architect, on solid rock, that is, on the highest humility and poverty of the Son of God, and called it the Order of Friars Minor.

Above the utmost humility. For this reason, in the early days, when the brothers began to multiply, he wanted them to live in lazarettos to serve the lepers [...]" (FF 1658).

And again: "In order to preserve a greater humility, a few years after his conversion, in a Chapter celebrated at the Portiuncula, he resigned his position as prelate, saying in the presence of all the brothers present:

«From now on I am dead for you. But here is Brother Peter Cattanio, whom I and all of you will obey»" (FF 1661).

He once said to the General Minister:

«I want you to entrust the care you have of me to one of my companions. I will obey him as I obey you: for by the good example and virtue of obedience I want you to remain with me always, in life and in death».

And in the Rule of St Clare (1253):

«And just as at the beginning of his conversion, together with his sisters, he promised obedience to blessed Francis, so he promises to maintain it inviolably to his successors» (Bull of Pope Innocent IV, 2752).

Behold with what authority Francis, in the footsteps of his Master, did these things!

«By what authority do you do these things? O who gave you this authority to do these things?»  (Mk 11:28)

Saturday of the 8th wk. in O.T.  (Mk 11:27-33)