In today's Gospel, Jesus sends a very clear message: give to those in need:
«Give to those who ask you, and do not turn away from those who want to borrow from you» (Mt 5:42).
Francis was a simple and genuine man; he was moved to tears at the mere mention of God's love and did everything he could to help those in need.
Countless passages from the Sources describe his incredible charity towards anyone who asked him for help in the name of God, even remaining naked in order to feed others.
The Second Life of Celano informs us of this:
"Once a poor man asked him for charity for the love of God. Since he had nothing, the Saint took his scissors secretly and prepared to divide his poor habit.
And he would certainly have done so had he not been discovered by the friars, whom he ordered to provide the poor man with other compensation" (FF 784).
And one day, when he met two French friars, the following happened:
"It happened that two friars from France, men of great holiness, met Francis; they felt incredible joy, especially since they had been tormented by this desire for a long time.
After effusive displays of affection and a sweet exchange of words, they were moved by their ardent devotion to ask Francis for his habit.
The saint immediately took it off, remaining half-naked, and gave it to them with the greatest devotion; then he put on, in a pious exchange, the poorest of their habits.
He was ready to give not only such things, but to give himself completely, and whatever was asked of him, he gave with the greatest joy" (FF 767).
Chiara of Assisi, Francis' seraphic plant, was always generous with her sisters and with the poor.
In her, the adventure of extreme faith led to the Beauty that wounds. She had eyes attentive to everything, discovering in every event the Presence of Christ, to whom she wanted to conform. Yes, Clare's life is a testimony that cries out beyond the walls of the monastery.
Legend has it that, even as a young girl, she gave to those in need without hesitation.
"She willingly stretched out her hand to the poor and from the abundance of her home she drew what was necessary to supply the needs of many [...]
Thus, growing up with her from childhood, she had a heart sensitive to the suffering of others and bent compassionately over the miseries of the unhappy" (FF 3158).
Giving themselves and what their neighbour needed was written in their spiritual DNA, exalted by the power of God's Spirit in a wonderful way.
The Two Poor Ones contrasted the mentality of having with the evangelical mentality of 'giving without counting', freely.
Monday of the 11th wk. in Ordinary Time (Mt 5:38-42)
