Acceptance of Christ

Kneeling before the crucifix in the run-down chapel at San Damiano, St. Francis heard within his heart the words, "Go forth, Francis, and rebuild My church." He answered, "Lord, with joy will I do what You wish." Little did he know that the church was larger than the little chapel in which he knelt. Now, Francesco di Bernardone, on his knees and his face wet with tears, had a mission. After a lengthy meditation, he must have had a revelation of what the crucifixion and death of Jesus meant. This revelation must have torn his heart with compassion and love. He must have felt that God had answered his prayers at last.

Meditation:

"God gave me, also, so great a confidence in the churches that I simply prayed, 'We pray to Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Thy churches all over the world, and we bless Thee because, with Thy Holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.'" ---From The Testament of St. Francis of Assisi