When Francis saw that great numbers of lay people were being inspired by his example to embrace Christ's Cross fervently, he took heart and like a brave leader in Christ's army he determined to carry off the prize of victory by practicing virtue to a heroic degree. Recalling the words of St. Paul, "Those who belong to Christ have crucified nature, with all its passions, all its impulses" (Gal 5:24), he mortified his lower appetites so strictly that he scarcely took enough food or drink to stay alive. In this way he would clothe himself with the armor of the Cross. He used to say that it was hard to satisfy one's material needs without giving in to the inclinations of sensuality.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER V
T
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