When You See A Beggar

Portrait of St. Francis of Assisi found in Subiaco

St. Francis' soul melted at the sight of the poor or infirm and where he could not offer material assistance he lavished with his affection. A friar once brusquely refused a beggar who had asked for an alms at an awkward moment. When Francis heard about it, he made the friar take off his habit in his love for the poor, and cast himself at the feet of the beggar, confessing his fault and begging his prayers and forgiveness. The friar obeyed him humbly and Francis remarked gently, "My dear brother, when you see a beggar, you are looking at the image of our Lord and his poor Mother. When you see a sick person, remember the infirmities he bore for us."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VIII