Franciscan Sister Marsaia Kastner continues with the first of 13 Franciscan Stations in a spiritual walk with St. Francis of Assisi. If you missed her introductory comments, click here.
One evening, Francis and his companions enjoyed a great feast. Then they went into the streets laughing and singing. Suddenly, someone in the group missed the host of the party; Francis was lagging behind lost in thoughts of his own. His buddies called out to him: “What’s wrong, Francis, have you fallen in love?” Francis replied “Yes, I’ve fallen in love with a beautiful woman whose goodness is beyond measure.”
In the poor Christ, “Lady Poverty” was showing Francis the wonder of God’s humble love. Francis began to experiment with being poor. One day at Mass Francis heard the Gospel in which Jesus said to his apostles: “Take nothing with you on your way” as you preach and proclaim peace. Francis cried out with joy: “This is what I desire with all my heart.” (Image )
What place does God have in the desires of my heart?