FROM GOSPEL TO LIFE - FROM LIFE TO GOSPEL
The Rule, Article 4







Friday, April 30, 2010

The Admonitions XIV - POVERTY OF SPIRIT

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 5:3)


There are many who, while insisting on prayers and obligations, inflict many abstinences and punishments upon their bodies. But they are immediately offended and disturbed about a single word which seems to be harmful to their bodies or about something which might e taken away from them. These people are not poor in spirit, for someone who is truly poor in spirit hates himself and loves those who strike him on the cheek.


ADMONITIONS XIV – POVERTY OF SPIRIT
St. Francis of Assisi
Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents

1 comment:

brother Joseph, SFO said...

I could see how some might be concerned about what Francis says about hating oneself. I believe his perspective was the same as St. Paul's who said, 'No man hates himself' Francis didn't mean we should hate ourselves as to not want to exist but of realizing there is a part of us that is self-destructive and hates God. This is the person that we should hate. God loves us, wants us to love ourselves and save ourselves by turning to Him. If we fear and hate this wicked part of ourselves then . . . we live. Peace to you all brothers and sisters.
brother Joseph, SFO