From: Life of St Francis of Assisi known as the "Assisi compilation" (13th century)
ch.120 (trans. ©2000 Franciscan Institute of St Bonaventure University)
ch.120 (trans. ©2000 Franciscan Institute of St Bonaventure University)
From the beginning of his conversion until the day of his death blessed
Francis greatly afflicted his body. He used to say that if a servant of God
always strives to have and preserve joy internally and externally which
proceeds from purity of heart, the devils can do him no harm. They would say:
"Since the servant of God has joy both in tribulation and in prosperity, we do
not know where to find an entrance to enter him and do him harm."
One day he reproved one of his companions who looked sad and long-faced. He told him: "Why are you sad and sorrowful over your offenses? It is a matter between you and God. Pray to Him, that by His mercy He may grant you the joy of His salvation (Ps 51[50],14). Try to be joyful always around me and others, because it is not fitting that a servant of God appear before his brother or others with a sad and glum face.
One day he reproved one of his companions who looked sad and long-faced. He told him: "Why are you sad and sorrowful over your offenses? It is a matter between you and God. Pray to Him, that by His mercy He may grant you the joy of His salvation (Ps 51[50],14). Try to be joyful always around me and others, because it is not fitting that a servant of God appear before his brother or others with a sad and glum face.
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