St. Francis of Assisi
Francis Gives Back Everything
In the square of Assisi, a merchant’s son returned even his clothes — and found a Father in heaven.
Pietro di Bernardone, a wealthy cloth merchant, was furious: his son had sold cloth to pay for the repair of a ruined church. He brought Francis before Bishop Guido of Assisi to recover his money.
Naked before the bishop
Francis gave back the money — and then his clothes, laying them at his father’s feet. From now on, he said, he would say “Our Father who art in heaven.” The bishop covered him with his own cloak.
Freedom, not contempt
Francis did not despise his family or the world. He discovered that everything is gift, and that we are freest when we hold things lightly.
For reflection
What am I holding so tightly that I cannot open my hands to God or to others?
Sources and references
- St. Bonaventure, Major Legend — Chapter 2
