While Francis was walking near the church of San Damiano, an inner voice bade him go in and pray. He obeyed, and kneeling before an image of the crucified Savior, he began to pry most devoutly. A tender, compassionate voice then spoke to him: "Francis, do you not see that my house is falling into ruin? Go, and repair it for me."
From that hour his heart was stricken and wounded with melting love and compassion for the passion of Christ; and for the rest of his life he carried in it the wounds of the Lord Jesus.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER V
One of my Christmas gifts this year was a replica of the cross.
ReplyDeleteIt hangs between two icons in our bedroom now, and is one of the first things I see each morning.