Concerning the Conversion of a Soldier

There was a certain strong soldier who had won many victories and later became a Friar Minor. And when soldiers laughed at him because he had joined such an Order rather then the Templars or a similar Order where he could do much good and still fight battles, he replied, "I tell you that when I feel thirst, hunger, cold, and such things, the impulse of pride and concupiscience and such still attacks me. How much worse would it be if I saw my feet shod in armor and I was on a handsome horse and so on!"

And he added; "So far I was strong in fighting others-from now on I want to be strond fighting myself!"

Thanks be to God.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 17

T