One winter day, Saint Francis was walking from Perugia to Santa Maria degli Angeli with Brother Leo. As the bitter cold pierced their thin habits, Francis called out, 'Brother Leo, even if the Friars Minor were to give sight to the blind and cast out demons, write down that this is not perfect joy.' They walked further, and Francis called out again, saying that even if a friar knew all languages and all scriptures, that too was not perfect joy. Finally, Brother Leo asked, 'Father, I pray thee, tell me wherein is perfect joy?' Francis replied, 'If we arrive at the monastery drenched by rain and frozen by cold, and the porter does not recognize us, calling us rogues and refusing us entry; if we remain outside in the snow, hungry and shivering until morning without grumbling; if we bear such injustice with patience and love, thinking on the sufferings of the Blessed Christ—then, Brother Leo, write that there is perfect joy. For above all the graces of the Holy Spirit is the power to conquer oneself and willingly bear crosses out of love for God.'
True joy is not found in worldly success or spiritual gifts, but in the ability to endure suffering and rejection with patience and love for the sake of Christ.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Francis and Perfect Joy?
The moral is that true spiritual fulfillment comes from conquering one's ego and responding to suffering or rejection with inner peace and divine love.
Who was Brother Leo in the story?
Brother Leo was one of the first companions of Saint Francis and served as his secretary and confessor, often referred to as 'God’s little lamb' by the saint.
Where were Francis and Leo traveling during this story?
They were walking from the city of Perugia to Santa Maria degli Angeli, the small chapel in the valley below Assisi that served as the heart of the Franciscan movement.
Why did Francis say miracles are not perfect joy?
Francis believed that miracles and knowledge could lead to pride, whereas suffering for Christ humbles the soul and unites the believer directly with God's sacrifice.
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Good night.
