“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 …

“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 been ill for thirty-eight years. He sounds a bit querulous as he lies there waiting …

“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 the marks of the stigmata. He refused to let people attribute miracles to him. He …