Jesus invites his disciples to a prayer that is not long-winded, but lean, essential; as sons.

Although in different paradigms, Clare and Francis of Assisi were aware that in the depths of their being lurked a secret to be found in order to be reborn and healed.

To the point that, distancing himself from his earthly father, before the local bishop, the Poverello expressed himself thus:

"Hitherto I have called you, my Father on earth; from now on I can say with all confidence: OUR FATHER, WHO IS IN HEAVEN, because in Him I have placed all my Treasure and placed all my Trust and Hope" (FF 1043).

To his brothers who asked him to teach them how to pray, he replied:

"When you pray, say: Our Father, and [...] We adore you, O Christ, in all your churches throughout the world, and we bless you, because through your holy Cross you have redeemed the world" (FF 1068).

And in the paraphrase of the 'Our Father':

"Hallowed be thy Name: let the knowledge of Thee be made bright in us, that we may know the breadth of thy benefits, the extent of thy promises, the sublimity of thy majesty and the depth of thy judgments" (FF 268).

A prayer, therefore, attested by life, by the capacity for forgiveness, in Listening.

All in the cell of one's own body, Francis maintained - as the Perugina Legend reminds us:

"Wherever we are or move, we take our cell with us: brother body; the soul is the hermit who lives in it praying to God and meditating.

And if the soul does not live serenely and solitarily in its cell, it is of little use to the religious to have a cell erected by the hand of man" (FF 1636).

And in the Legend, Clare herself:

"How much strength and support she received in the furnace of ardent prayer [...] she brought back from the fire of the altar of the Lord burning words, such as to inflame the hearts of the sisters" (FF 3199).

A prayer not marked by the multiplication of words, but by an authentic and profound relationship with God, who knows everything.

«In praying, do not babble like the pagans, for they think they are heard because of their wordiness» (Mt 6:7)

Thursday of the 11th wk. in O.T.  (Mt 6,7-15)

Jesus suggests avoiding hypocrisy in prayer, the theatricality of appearance, loving and praying in the secret known to the Father.

Francis and Clare loved prayer, hidden contemplation, in a special way.

In the Second Life, compiled by Celano, we find a passage that speaks volumes about Francis' discreet relationship with God, always ready to scrupulously hide the King's secrets.

"He always sought a secluded place, where he could unite himself not only with his spirit, but with his individual members, to his God.

And if he suddenly felt visited by the Lord, so as not to be without a cell, he made himself a little one with his cloak.

And if at times he lacked this, he covered his face with his sleeve, so as not to reveal the hidden manna.

He always placed something between himself and the onlookers, so that they would not notice the contact of the bridegroom; thus he could pray unseen even if crammed among a thousand, as in the corner of a ship.

Finally, if none of this was possible for him, he made a temple of his breast.

Absorbed in God and oblivious of himself, he neither groaned nor coughed, his breathing was breathless and every other external sign disappeared" (FF 681).

Wonderful discretion, lover of concealment.

Francis and Clare were the lovers of holy prayer, fasting and almsgiving, adhering to these practices in the deepest and highest sense.

The Sources are illuminating about the evangelical journey of these two giants of the contemplative and apostolic life.

We read in the Rule of Clare

"The sisters to whom the Lord has given the grace of working, let them work, after the third hour, applying themselves to worthy works of common use, with fidelity and devotion, in such a way that, having banished idleness, the enemy of the soul, they do not extinguish the Spirit of holy prayer and devotion, to which all other temporal things must serve" (FF 2792).

And again in her Testament:

"I pray that she who will be in charge of the sisters [...] will see to it that she provides for each one in her needs with those alms which the Lord will send" (FF 2848).

Francis himself showed discreet attention to all this:

"I have never been a thief. I would like to say that of the alms, which are the inheritance of the poor, I have always taken less than I needed, so as not to spoil the share due to other poor people. 'To do otherwise would be to steal' (FF 1670).

Moreover, in other circumstances we know that "guided by the Holy Spirit, he went up a mountain with two companions and there, fasting on bread and water, dictated the Rule, according to what the divine Spirit suggested to him during prayer" (FF 1084).

«But when you pray, go into your room and shut your door [Is 26:20; 2 Kings 4:33] and pray to your Father who is in secret» (Mt 6:6).

Wednesday of the 11th wk. in O.T.  (Mt 6,1-6.16-18)

In today's passage, Matthew presents Jesus intent on emphasising true perfection according to the Gospel.

Our neighbour is not only our fellow countrymen - as the Jews tended, then, to consider - but every brother we meet.

The Lord exhorts us to love and pray for those who persecute us. Here lies authentic holiness.

In Clare of Assisi, the adventure of extreme faith led to the Beauty that wounds.

He had eyes that were attentive to all things, discovering in every event the Presence of Christ, to whom he wanted to conform.

Yes, Clare's life is a testimony that cries out beyond the walls of the monastery.

The Sources say:

"She herself washed the seats of the infirm, she cleansed them, with that noble spirit of hers, without shying away from filthiness or loathing the stench.

Very often she washed the feet of servants returning from outside and, washing them, kissed them.

Once she was washing the feet of one of these servants: as she was about to kiss them, she, not withstanding so great a humiliation, drew back her foot and in the gesture struck her lady in the face with her foot.

But she gently took up the foot of the servant girl and pressed a kiss on it, under the sole" (FF 3181-3182)

Francis and Clare knew that the truly Perfect in the Kingdom of God are those who do not give up and go all the way.

As the Sources themselves convey, in an Admonition to his brothers, Francis emphasises:

"All those who unjustly inflict on us tribulation and anguish, ignominy and insult, pain and suffering, are therefore our friends [...] we must love them dearly because by reason of what they inflict on us we have eternal life" (FF 56).

But Clare herself overcame evil with the good of her humble prayer, as she did before the invasion of Vitale d'Aversa, in the service of Emperor Frederick II. Indeed he led the army against Assisi.

But according to the Sources:

"When Clare, servant of Christ, heard of this, she was shaken with deep sorrow, called to herself the sisters and said:

"From this city we receive many goods every day [...] it would be great impiety not to bring her relief, as we can, now that the time is right.

Go to our Lord and ask him with all your heart for the deliverance of the city' (FF 3203).

The next morning the proud man was forced to leave, contrary to his designs - and the army dispersed.

«Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may become children of your Father in heaven» (Mt 5:44a)

Tuesday, 11th wk. in O.T.  (Mt 5:43-48)

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)

On the solemnity of the Holy Trinity, our thoughts turn to how Francis and Clare lived this Mystery of Unity and Sharing.

Looking through the Sources, we realise that the experiences of the early days were surrounded by the blessing of the great Mystery.

For example, Francis' Testament concludes as follows:

"And whoever observes these things will be filled in heaven with the blessing of the Most High Father, and on earth with the blessing of his beloved Son, with the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, and with all the powers of heaven and all the saints.

And I, little brother Francis, your servant,  for what little I can, confirm this most holy blessing to you, both inside and outside. Amen" (FF 131).

In the Unapproved Rule, specifically: Admonition to the friars, he exhorts them:

"And let us always build in ourselves a house and a permanent dwelling place for Him who is the Lord God Almighty, Father and Son and Holy Spirit... And let us adore Him with a pure heart" (FF 61).

In the same Rule, further on:

"And everywhere, all of us, in every place, at every hour and at every time, every day and without ceasing, truly believe and humbly hold in our hearts and love, honour, adore, serve, praise and bless, glorify and exalt, magnify and give thanks to the Most High and eternal God, Trinity and Unity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, Creator of all things and Saviour of all who believe and hope in him and love him; who is without beginning and without end, unchangeable, invisible, ineffable, incomprehensible, unsearchable, blessed, praiseworthy, glorious, exalted, sublime, lofty, gentle, lovable, delightful and all above all things desirable forever and ever. Amen" (FF 71).

The mystery of the Trinity is illustrated by the attributes used by the Poverello.

And in the Legend of the Three Companions there is a passage that highlights how Francis, regarding the form of life to be followed (by him and his companions), consulted the Holy Scriptures.

"A true worshipper of the Trinity, he wanted the support of three witnesses; so he opened the book a second and a third time.

Each time he opened the book, Francis gave thanks to God, who approved the ideal he had long cherished" (FF 1431).

And Clare herself, at the beginning of her Spiritual Testament, begins as follows:

"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show you His face and have mercy on you" (FF 2854).

The two poor people of Assisi made the Trinity their home, the inexhaustible treasure from which to draw Light and Love, Communion and multifacetedness.

«All that the Father has is mine; that is why I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you» (Jn 16:15)

Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity C  (Jn 16:12-15)

This Sunday's long passage from Matthew's Gospel deals with various themes.

Among these is the urgency of overcoming the legalism of the scribes and Pharisees, doing God's will with care.

Almost without realising it, Francis was a great spiritual teacher.

By Grace, he was convinced that justice always goes hand in hand with mercy.

A justice that is far removed from blind rigidity, eager to express itself in the fulfilment of God's will, in respect for one's brother always.

The Franciscan Sources teach much on the subject.

"If it sometimes happened that a brother missed a word capable of hurting, the remorse of conscience would not let him have peace, until he confessed his mistake, throwing himself down humbly and begging the offended one to put a foot on his mouth.

If that brother refused to make that gesture, when the offender was his superior, he would command him to put his foot over his mouth; when it was a subject, he would have the person in charge order him to do so.

In this way, the brothers strove to banish all rancour and incompatibility, and to keep exchangeable love intact.

They did their utmost to replace every vice with the corresponding virtue, inspired and assisted in this by the Grace of Jesus Christ" (FF 1449).

Justice and Mercy to be sought, to be asked of God first and foremost in prayer and silence, for a new heart is a gift from the Lord, a continuous exodus.

In the Rule of the Hermitages, written by Francis, we read:

"And let these [the brothers] have a cloister, in which each one has his own little cell, in which he can pray and sleep [...] and get up for matins, and first of all seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (FF 137).

In the same Praises of God Most High, Francis emphasises that God is Justice:

"[...] You are justice,

You are temperance,

You are all our riches enough" (FF 261).

The Poverello, knowing that the Lord-justice called for more than justice, worked tirelessly for the kingdom of heaven, and sought to teach his brothers to do likewise.

Never forgot that mercy always prevails, in judgement before God.

«For I tell you, unless your righteousness abounds more [than that] of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven» (Mt 5:20).

The Poor Man of Assisi valued marriage in Christian life as a place of witness to God's fundamental love for man and woman, knowing how to accept and wait for God's timing in every situation.

The Sources recount that a noblewoman once came to him to ask the Saint for a remedy for her very bad husband, who opposed her in her service to Christ.

"After listening to her, he said: 'Go in peace and be assured that you will soon receive from your husband the consolation you desire.

He added: 'Tell him from God and from me that now is the time for mercy, then for justice'.

Having received his blessing, the woman returned, found her husband and repeated his words to him.

The Holy Spirit descended upon him and transformed him into a new man, prompting him to respond with complete meekness: 'My lady, let us serve the Lord and save our souls'.

At the urging of his holy wife, they lived a celibate life for several years, until both returned to the Lord on the same day" (FF 1193 - Leggenda maggiore).

But for those who, like Francis and Clare of Assisi, follow their call to become disciples in poverty in the footsteps of Christ [eunuchs for the Kingdom of God], life unfolds differently.

We read about St. Clare:

"When she began to feel the first stirrings of holy love, she considered the perishable and false flower of worldliness to be worthless, instructed by the anointing of the Holy Spirit to attribute little value to things that have little value.

And in fact, under her precious and soft garments she secretly wore a small hair shirt, appearing adorned for the world on the outside, but clothed inwardly with Christ.

Finally, when her parents wanted to marry her off nobly, she did not consent in any way, but, pretending to want to postpone her earthly marriage until later, she entrusted her virginity to the Lord" (FF 3160).

Friday, 10th wk. in Ordinary Time (Mt 5:27-32)

Jesus warns against the ruthless justice of the Pharisees, urging respect for every brother and sister and reconciliation, which is the flavour of life as children of God.

Francis was a great spiritual teacher, almost without realising it.

He was convinced, by Grace, that justice always goes hand in hand with mercy.

A justice far removed from legalistic rigidity, eager to express itself in the fulfilment of God's will, always with respect for one's brother.

During the period when he was very ill, Francis learned that the bishop of Assisi had excommunicated the podestà of the city and that the latter had organised various reprisals against him.

Sick as he was, he was moved with pity for them, concerned that no one was interested in restoring harmony and peace between the two.

So he spoke to his brothers.

We find in the Sources: "It is a great shame for us, servants of God, that the bishop and the podestà hate each other so much, and no one takes the trouble to restore peace between them".

He then composed a verse to add to the Lauds (now known as the Canticle of the Creatures).

«... BE PRAISED, MY LORD/

FOR THOSE WHO FORGIVE FOR YOUR LOVE/

AND THEY SUPPORT IN THEMSELVES INFIRMITIES AND TRIBULATIONS/

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO BURY THEM IN PEACE,

FOR BY YOU, MOST HIGH, THEY WILL BE CROWNED».

This verse was sung by Francis to his friars on the square in front of the bishop's palace, in the presence of the two parties involved and other people.

Thus Francis holy favoured their reconciliation, and the bishop took the podestà in his arms, saying: "By virtue of my office, I should be humble. Unfortunately, I have a temperament prone to anger. I beg you to forgive me."

And so the two embraced and kissed each other cordially.

The Lord, through Francis, had touched the hearts of the two adversaries who, no longer remembering their mutual insults, returned to sincere harmony. (cf. FF 1593)

Justice and mercy are to be sought and asked of God first and foremost in prayer and silence, for a new heart is a gift from the Lord, a continuous exodus.

In the Rule of the Hermits, written by Francis, we read:

"And these [the friars] should have a cloister, in which each one has his own little cell, in which he can pray and sleep [...] and they should rise for matins, and first of all seek the kingdom of God and his justice" (FF 137).

In the same Praises of God Most High, Francis emphasises that God is justice:

"[...] You are justice,

You are temperance,

You are all our wealth in enough" (FF 261).

The Poor Man, knowing that the Lord-Justice called for a greater justice than that of manner, committed himself wholeheartedly to the Kingdom of Heaven and sought to teach his brothers to do the same.

He never forgot that mercy always prevails in God's judgement.

«For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and scribes, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven» (Mt 5:20)

Thursday, 10th wk. in Ordinary Time  (Mt 5:20-26)