Those Who Betray Us Are Therefore Our Friends

Sunset at the Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

Remember the words of our Lord, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you (Matthew 5:44). Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, in whose footsteps we must follow (cf. 1 Peter 2:21), called the man who betrayed him his friend, and gave himself up of his own accord to his executioners. Therefore, our friends are those who for no reason cause us trouble and suffering, shame or injury, pain or torture, even martyrdom and death.

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE RULE OF 1221
Chapter 22

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