Reflections

The three men (St. Francis and his companions) went together the few paces across the Assisi market-place to the church of San Niccolo… Here they entered and prayed together, whereupon Francis went up to the altar and took the mass-book, opened it and found the following words: "If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven." Twice more he opened the book, and found the first time, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me," and the next time: "And he commanded them that they should take nothing for the way." As Francis closed the book, he turned himself towards the two men and said: "Brothers, this is your life and our Rule, and not only ours, but all those who wish to live with us. Go away therefore and do that which you have heard!"