Jesus makes it clear that one must take up one’s cross to follow Him and be worthy of Him.

Likewise, He emphasises that whoever truly welcomes His disciples welcomes Him.

Francis truly saw in sincere hospitality an encounter with the poor Christ. Hence his humble and cordial spirit of hospitality and loving openness towards all.

The Sources are a precious treasure trove documenting numerous episodes related to what has been said.

We read:

«And wherever the friars are and wherever they meet, let them be familiar with one another.

And let each one confidently make known to the other his needs; for if a mother nourishes and loves her natural child, how much more thoughtfully ought one to love and nourish one’s spiritual brother?» (FF 91).

Furthermore:

«Whenever some wealthy person of this world came to them, they received him joyfully and affectionately, invited him to turn away from evil, and urged him to do penance» (FF 1452).

Indeed, according to the Augustinian saying: «Humilitas occidit superbiam» [H.AS O S].

Furthermore:

“Blessed Francis the Poor often sought hospitality at the monastery of St Verecondo.

The Abbot and the monks welcomed him with great kindness and devotion” (FF 2249).

The Poor Man of Assisi lived the Gospel to the letter and strove to recognise the presence of Christ wherever he went.

• The monastery of St Verecondo is situated on the road to Gubbio.

«And whoever gives one of these little ones a single cup of [water] to drink as a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward» (Mt 10:42)

Monday, 15th wk. in O.T.  (Mt 10,34-11,1)