Minute Meditations

“Neither do I condemn you” (John 8:11). While Francis was on his journey to visit the sultan, he stayed overnight in an inn, where he was approached by a prostitute. St. Francis answered her: “If you wish me to do ...

“Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life’” (John 11:24–25) Death always startles us with its suddenness, its finality. ...

“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, Francis and his companions also traveled around the country a bit. On a few occasions ...

“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, no one will know where he is from.” This becomes an issue again and again ...

“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 God?” (John 5:44). Francis was concerned with the impression that he made on those around ...

“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 about manual labor—concrete, physical actions that could be clearly seen and rightly interpreted. His Rule ...