In today's Gospel passage, Jesus, who proposed himself as the Fountain of True Water, is answered by people of the people, who assert:

«He is indeed the prophet!» (Jn 7:40) - and Pharisees who counter:

«from Galilee no prophet rises!» (Jn 7:52).

Two opposing theses, but verified and unhinged by facts at the moment when, on the cross, the centurion will say that the one who was crucified was indeed the Son of God.

Real events lay bare the truth.

This is what happened in the life of Francis of Assisi: events demonstrated the authentic and eloquent character of his naked living.

Consulting the Franciscan Sources, we encounter passages that truly underline his charisma as a prophet.

"Since the herald of Christ was famous for these and many other prodigies, people paid attention to his words as if he were speaking as an Angel of the Lord.

For the prerogative of the lofty virtues, the spirit of prophecy, the thaumaturgical power, the mission to preach coming from heaven, the obedience of creatures deprived of reason, the sudden conversions of hearts brought about by hearing his word, the knowledge infused by the Holy Spirit and superior to human doctrine, the authorisation to preach granted by the Supreme Pontiff by divine revelation, as well as the Rule, which defines the form of preaching, confirmed by the Vicar of Christ himself and, finally, the signs of the Supreme King impressed like a seal on his body, are like ten testimonies for the whole world and confirm without a shadow of a doubt that Francis, the herald of Christ, is worthy of all veneration for the mission received, authentic in the doctrine taught, admirable for holiness and that, therefore, he preached the Gospel of Christ as a true envoy of God" (FF 1221).

If for his total change of life there were those who called him a madman, the events of which he became the bearer confirm his prophetic charisma.

In Clare's Testament, compiled along the lines of that of the Poverello, we find something that corroborates what has been said above.

"While in fact, the Saint himself, who had as yet neither brothers nor companions, almost immediately after his conversion, was intent on repairing the church of San Damiano, where, receiving that visit from the Lord in which he was inebriated with celestial consolation, he felt the decisive urge to abandon the world altogether, in a transport of great joy and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, he prophesied concerning us what the Lord subsequently fulfilled" (FF 2826).

And again:

"Having climbed over the wall of the said church, so he cried out, in an open voice and in French, addressed to some poor people who were standing nearby:

«Come and help me in this work of the monastery of San Damiano, for soon women will come to inhabit it, and by the fame and holiness of their lives glory will be rendered to our heavenly Father throughout his holy Church» (FF 2827).

Could a prophet arise from Assisi?

Yes, a great prophet, if even today everyone recognises him and follows him with amazement for his extraordinary humility blossomed in multiple evangelical gifts, to the praise of God.

«Those in the crowd said, 'This is indeed the prophet!'» (Jn 7:40) [...].

«Study, and see that out of Galilee no prophet rises!» (Jn 7:52)

Saturday 4th wk. in Lent  (Jn 7:40-53)

Today's Gospel passage portrays Jesus going, almost covertly, to the Feast of Booths, in a persecutory atmosphere.

He does not go at the time that seemed opportune to his relatives, nor does he intend to manifest himself in the way they wanted.

Instead, he goes up there afterwards, and in a different way: to fulfil his mission as set by God, not to seek his own glory.

Francis, too, did not follow the path his father wanted, but the mission entrusted to him by the Lord, according to the 'canvas' of divine will.

In fact, consulting the Sources, we understand many things in this regard.

For example, we become aware of the obstinate persecution of the father, who could not bear Francis' repudiation of his previous life, spent in merry bandits.

He wanted his son to live another way, far from God's plans as he was.

"While the servant of God was dwelling in the company of this priest, his father heard about it and ran there with a distraught soul.

But Francis, an athlete still in his infancy, having been informed of the threats of the persecutors and foretelling of their coming, wanted to leave time for wrath and hid himself in a secret pit.

He remained hidden there for a few days, and in the meantime he unceasingly supplicated, amidst rivers of tears, to the Lord, that He would deliver him from the hands of the persecutors and bring to fulfilment, with His goodness and favour, the pious intentions He had inspired in him" (FF 1040).

The Poverello was not concerned to please his parental prerogatives, but the project and mission prepared by God, even in the vituperation of the city of Assisi.

"The citizens of Assisi, seeing him squalid in the face and changed in spirit, thought he had lost his mind, and threw mud and stones from the streets at him, and, shouting and clamouring, insulted him as a madman, a demented person.

But the servant of God, without being discouraged or upset by the insults, passed among them, as if he were deaf.

When his father heard that strange racket, he rushed immediately, not to free his son, but rather to ruin him: putting aside all feeling of pity, he dragged him home and persecuted him, first with words and beatings, then by putting him in chains.

But this experience made the young man more ready and more determined to complete the task he had begun, because it reminded him of that saying in the Gospel:

«Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven» (FF 1041).

Even so, the Minim of Assisi, like Jesus, did not want to serve what common opinion considered opportune and convenient to do.

He preferred to follow, in another way, what Providence had revealed to him and in a manner that was disconcerting for the mentality of the world in which he lived.

His family, his fellow citizens knew Francis, but they did not understand that he was a beloved son of the heavenly Father.

A creature who had been entrusted with an unequivocal mission of renewal in the Christian walk.

«[Of course] you know me and you know where I am from. Yet I came not of myself, but he is true who sent me, whom you do not know. I know him, because I am from him and he has sent me» (Jn 7:28-29)

Friday 4th wk. in Lent  (Jn 7:1-2.10.25-30)

Today's Gospel tells of the announcement made by the angel to Joseph, inviting him to take Mary with him, since the child begotten in her was the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Joseph's marvellous obedience recalls that before the Crucifix at San Damiano by Francis, and invites the latter to accept a new call.

Consulting the Franciscan Sources we read:

"As he was passing near the church of San Damiano, he was inspired to enter it. He went there, and began to pray fervently before the image of the Crucifix, who spoke to him with moving goodness:

«Francis, do you not see that my house is falling down? Go, then, and restore it». Trembling and astonished, the young man replied:

«I will do it gladly, Lord».

But he had misunderstood: he thought it was about that church which, because of its antiquity, threatened imminent ruin. At those words of Christ he became immensely happy and radiant; he felt in his soul that it was really the Crucified One who had given him the message.

As he came out of the church, he found the priest sitting there beside him, and putting his hand in his purse, he offered him money, saying:

"Sir, I beg you to buy oil to make a lamp burn before that Crucifix.

When this money is finished, I will bring you more, according to need'" (FF1411).

"Following this vision, his heart yearned, as if wounded, at the memory of the passion of the Lord [...]" (FF1412).

Aware of his calling, Francis awoke from the vision he had and, shortly after his conversion, welcomed Clare of Assisi, his seedling and faithful disciple, to the Portiuncula:

"Abandoning, therefore, home, city and relatives, he hastened to St Mary of the Portiuncula, where the friars, who were keeping vigil in prayer at the little altar of God, welcomed the virgin Clare with lighted torches.

There at once, having renounced the filth of Babylon, she delivered to the world the libel of repudiation; there, letting her hair fall by the hand of the friars, she laid aside for ever the variegated ornaments" (FF 3170).

Joseph, through his special calling, adhered to God's will and Francis, through the call of the Crucified One, understood what the Lord destined him for. Joseph welcomed Mary, the Mother of Jesus and

the new man of the plain of Assisi welcomed Clare, who became the Mother of the Second (Clarian) Franciscan Order. For this gift the Spirit of God used both of them, to bring it to light. Clare generated many virgins to Christ in San Damiano.

The Legend informs us:

"This is the famous church for the restoration of which Francis laboured with admirable zeal [...]" (FF 3175).

In this tiny place Clare shut herself away and:

"Placing her nest, like a silvery dove, in the hollow of this cliff, she generated a host of virgins of Christ, founded a holy monastery and began the Order of Poor Ladies" (FF 3176).

«Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, with you. For that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit» (Mt 1:20)

[St Joseph (Mt 1:16.18-21.24a)]

In today's Gospel passage Jesus affirms his intimate relationship with the Father, highlighting the gift of such greatness that has been transmitted.

Francis had a relationship of special intimacy with the Lord.

The Life received in contemplation, in Union with God, became power poured out on his neighbour in various forms.

The energy humbly received in prayer was synonymous with unitive life, which redeems and transforms.

The Sources offer us the possibility of entering the paths of this special relationship, proper to Christ and transmitted, by Grace, to his brothers.

Browsing through the Franciscan documents we read:

"And the man of God, remaining all alone and in peace, filled the woods with groans, sprinkled the earth with tears, beat his breast and, as if he had found a more intimate sanctuary, talked with his Lord.

There he answered the Judge, there he pleaded with the Father, there he conversed with the Friend.

There also, from the brothers who piously observed him, he was heard to appeal with cries and groans to the divine Goodness on behalf of sinners: to cry, even aloud, the passion of the Lord, as if he had it before his eyes.

There, as he prayed at night, he was seen with his hands outstretched in the form of a cross, lifted up from the ground with his whole body and surrounded by a luminous cloud: marvellous light spread around his body, which wonderfully testified to the light shining in his spirit.

There, moreover, as sure evidence testifies, the hidden mysteries of divine wisdom were revealed to him, which, however, he did not divulge to the outside world, except to the extent that the charity of Christ compelled him to do so and the usefulness of his neighbour demanded it [...].

When he returned from his prayers, which almost transformed him into another man, he took the greatest care to behave in uniformity with the others, lest the wind of applause, because of what he let out, deprive him of the interior reward" (FF 1180 - Major Legend).

To his brothers he recommended above all else the intimate relationship with the Father, as sons who receive every gift of life from Him and with whom they work in harmony.

In fact, the Sources illustrate:

"At that time the brothers insistently asked him to teach them to pray [...] And he answered:

"When you pray, say: Our Father!" and: "We adore you, O Christ, in all your churches that are in the world and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world"" (FF 399).

Their intimate union with the Father made them sons in the Son and, just as Jesus did what he saw the Father do, so the brothers in the school of the Son worked, following the example of Francis.

Listening to the Word and believing in Jesus they became bearers of life, animated by the Poverello.

«The Son can do nothing of himself except what he sees the Father doing; for those things which he does, these the Son also does» (Jn 5:19).

Wednesday 4th wk. in Lent  (Jn 5:17-30)

Jesus lectures the Sabbath worshippers with facts.

Respecting that day was more important than life, than the person himself, placed on the periphery, prone at the feet of the sacred laws.

Life can wait, for these Pharisaic worshippers; but according to Jesus, this is not so, and he proves it.

Even for Francis it was not so!

The man of God, from the very beginning of his calling, put in first place the person to be saved and for whom Christ died and rose again.

How many times, in his humility, did he prostrate himself before his sick, poor brothers, honouring the divine Presence of the Lord!

How many healed by that Charity that inflamed him and directed him on his way!

It is unthinkable that Francis was a bearer of novelty and a 'slave' to the law. Deeply obedient, but free in his exquisite conscience as a creature, he had the life of all at heart.

In the Sources we find many episodes on this subject.

"In the city of Narni, at the bishop's insistence, he blessed a paralytic, deprived of the use of all his limbs, by drawing a sign of the cross from his head to his feet, and restored him to perfect health" (FF 1214).

"In the city of Fano there was a shrunken man, whose ulcerated tibiae were bent backwards and stuck to his body, and he was so malodorous that no one felt willing to take him into hospital.

He implored the mercy of the most blessed Father Francis, and shortly afterwards had the joy of seeing himself completely recovered' (FF 548).

Moreover, 'He showed great compassion for the sick and tender concern for their needs [...].

She even ate on fasting days so that the sick would not feel flushed, and she was not ashamed in the public places of the city to beg meat for a sick friar' (FF 761).

Mother Clare herself, moved by tender compassion for the sick, placed at the centre of her attention the souls for whom Christ had shed his Blood.

Indeed in the Rule:

"Those who are infirm may use straw mattresses and have feather pillows under their heads; and those who need stockings and a woolen mattress may use them [...]" (FF 2799).

When the salvation of their brothers and sisters was at stake, Francis and Clare did not make a problem of rule or day.

Charity was above everything: round the clock.

They looked to Jesus, Author and Perfecter of the Law, to which He had given fulfilment with Love, without which we are only clanging cymbals.

«That is why the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did such things on the Sabbath» (Jn 5:16)

Tuesday 4th wk. in Lent  (Jn 5:1-16)

Jesus [who also attributes great value to signs and performs them to lead one to believe, revealing his glory] reproaches the king's official with immature faith, too attached to miracles.

Francis considered it the test of his witness, seeing in it the secret of knowing how to live human affairs - once one is 'instructed' by the Passion of the Son of God.

The Minim saw in the poor and sick the Christ who took on our infirmities and healed them.

An episode from the Sources, taken from the Major Legend, tells us:

"A pilgrim, debilitated by a very acute fever, which had previously struck him, was returning from overseas on board a ship [...].

Since he was not yet perfectly free of the fever, he felt tormented by a burning thirst.

Although, by now, there was no more water, he began to shout aloud:

"Go with confidence and fetch me a drink, for blessed Francis has filled my keg with water!".

A truly wonderful thing: they found the vessel they had previously left empty filled with water" (FF 1284).

One day the father said to a friar who had despised a poor and sick man:

"Shall I tell you how you have sinned against him, or rather against Christ?

Behold: when you see a poor man, you must consider him in whose name he comes, that is, Christ, who became man to take our poverty and infirmity. In the poverty and infirmity of this beggar we must lovingly discern the poverty and infirmity of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he bore in his body for the salvation of the human race' (FF 1645).

The Poverello also healed many people afflicted with fever and various ills,

but emphasised what he saw beyond the albeit important sign.

He always called his brothers to a solid, granitic faith.

He spoke to them of that, expressing it in a discipleship adhesion that went beyond the immediate and rested on union with Christ.

We well understand the prayer he uttered before the Crucifix of San Damiano, in which, addressing God, he said:

«dame fede dricta» [give me certain faith] (FF 276).

The Word ruminated and lived by the Poverello increased day by day our trust in the Lord, who has plans for us of Peace and not of misfortune.

Clare too, abandoned to Christ, healed a sister with the sign of the cross.

Not the signs, but the Sign changes the life, the history of every creature.

"Another of the sisters, named Amata, had been in bed suffering from dropsy for thirteen months and had a fever, a cough and sickness on one side.

On her Donna Chiara, moved by pity, resorted to that noble system of her medical art.

She marked her with the cross in the name of her Christ and immediately restored her to full health" (FF 3223).

This is the faith that sinks into the incarnate Word and transforms the path, rests on Christ who died and rose again for all, and is a sure beacon in the night.

«Unless you see signs and wonders, you do not believe» (Jn 4:48)

Monday 4th wk. in Lent  (Jn 4:43-54)

On this fourth Sunday of Lent, John's Gospel presents the healing of the man born blind, questioned by the Pharisees to whom Jesus, faced with their disbelief, paints a picture of the serious condition they are in:

«If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see’, your sin remains» (Jn 9:41).

Every day Francis went spiritually "to Siloam", weeping for his sins and those of the whole world, thus damaging his eyes and becoming blind.

But he feared the inner blindness produced by sin more than physical blindness. During and after his earthly life, he healed many people who had been blind from birth, giving glory to God.

In the Sources we read:

"He restored sight to a blind girl from Bevagna, smearing her eyes with spittle three times, in the name of the Trinity" (FF1218).  

"A woman named Sibilla, who had been blind for many years, was one day brought, blind and sad, to the tomb of the Saint. She instantly regained her sight and returned home happy and joyful.

Likewise, a man from Spello regained his long-lost sight in front of the Saint's tomb" (FF 553).

Clare of Assisi also often wept over the Passion of Christ, and the devil, resorting to his cunning, pointed out to her that she would become blind for this.

But she, with boldness of spirit, replied:

«Those who see God will not be blind» (FF 3198), confounding the enemy.

This was proof of her solid faith.

The pharisaical heart does not believe in miracles, but the heart founded on the solid rock of the Word experiences healing and joy, like the two Poor Men of Assisi, instruments of health for the people in the hands of God.

4th Sunday in Lent  A  (Jn 9:1-41)

In the parable of the Pharisee and publican, Jesus evangelises those who presumed to be righteous, despising others.

Francis always felt himself to be nothing before God, sinking into his humility like the seed in the earth.

He feared pride like the plague and detested it deeply.

To appear, to show off, to surpass, were verbs with which he never wanted to have any connection: he abhorred them.

We read in Celano's Vita prima:

"One day, full of admiration for the Lord's mercy in all the benefits bestowed on him, he wished to know [...] what would become of his life and that of his brothers.

To this end he withdrew, as he often did, to a suitable place for prayer.

There he remained for a long time, invoking with fear and trembling the Ruler of all the earth, thinking back with bitterness on the years that had passed badly and repeating:

«O God, be merciful to me a sinner!» (FF 363).

He feared all forms of boasting and ostentation of works; he abhorred feeling good and all kinds of pride.

In the Regola bollata (1223) to his brothers he said:

"I admonish, then, and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that the brothers beware of all pride, vainglory, envy, avarice, cares and cares of this world, of detraction and murmuring" (FF 103).

In the Rule of Clare, in paragraph 2809 of the Sources, we find the same statement - as if to highlight the same concern: to keep a distance from all forms of vainglory.

Francis (and Clare too) perceived himself to be a great sinner, like the publican in the Gospel, who dared not even look up to heaven.

His humility and awareness of his own penury led him to assume a very low profile, without glorying in anything, neither before God nor before men.

Indeed, in his Admonitions, we read:

"Blessed is that servant who does not glory in the good that the Lord says and works through him, more in the good that he says and works through another. Blessed is the man who wants to receive from his neighbour more than he wants to give of himself to the Lord God" (FF 166).

And again:

"By this sign one can recognise the servant of God, if he has the Spirit of the Lord: if, when the Lord accomplishes something good through him, his 'flesh' does not take pride in it - since 'flesh' is always contrary to all good - but rather still considers himself vile in his own eyes and esteems himself smaller than all other men" (FF 161).

«O God, be gracious to me a sinner [...] for whoever lifts himself up will be brought low, but whoever lowers himself will be lifted up» (Lk 18:13-14)

Saturday 3rd wk. in Lent  (Lk 18:9-14)