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If we choose to love, we immediately take on the responsibility of being for others, in service and in times of opposition, in trials and persecution, also in peace and joy.
When Francis stripped himself naked at Santa Maria Maggiore, he was reaching for the heart of God.
At San Damiano, the Crucified Christ challenged Saint Francis to “go rebuild My house.” That task meant Francis had to transform himself first.
I have often reflected on this prayer, which—as Franciscan scholars attest—is indeed a prayer composed by St. Francis himself. And each time I pray it, I am more and more convinced that it reveals the authentic heart of St. Francis.
One does not go into solitude just to be there, or to be alone, or to struggle with one’s false self or demons. That would be sadism. A person builds a rhythm of solitude into life because of a need to meet and surrender to Christ. One may resist that, but it is a need. It is not possible to maintain and nurture a life of solitude without this dynamic. I must be aware that I want to meet Christ in my solitude. The surrender may be just for a moment, but if it is unconditional at that moment, there is peace and calm.
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