Diane M. Houdek

“But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he?’” (John 7:40). We know that, although he spent much time in Assisi,

“You know me, and you know where I am from” (John 7:28). Jesus is responding to some of the Jews saying that “When the Christ comes,

“How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is

“My Father is still working, and I also am working” (John 5:170). Francis not only encouraged his brothers to work; he preferred that they be

“I have no one to put me into the pool” (John 5:6). Today’s Gospel tells us that the man by the pool of Bethesda has

“Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe” (John 4:48). Francis strenuously denied the suggestions that he was a saint. He kept hidden

“Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him’” (John 9:3). Just