God´s Gifts

The following day, Brother Francis said to Leo: “Brother Leo, let’s dedicate the day to our blessed Love, Lord God, our Father.”

They began to climb a small rocky mountain, its summit peering out in all its splendor. They climbed very slowly, for there were no clear paths to follow. Brother Leo guided the donkey and its sacred load, making wide turns in order to facilitate their climb. Evergreen oaks, black cypresses, chestnut trees, thickets, boxes, and boulders were everywhere.

The following day, Brother Francis said to Leo: “Brother Leo, let’s dedicate the day to our blessed Love, Lord God, our Father.”

They began to climb a small rocky mountain, its summit peering out in all its splendor. They climbed very slowly, for there were no clear paths to follow. Brother Leo guided the donkey and its sacred load, making wide turns in order to facilitate their climb. Evergreen oaks, black cypresses, chestnut trees, thickets, boxes, and boulders were everywhere.

“Oh... Lord, Lord..., oh... gifts from God! I’m the happiest man on earth. Life is so beautiful, Brother Leo. The day I enter the gates of eternity, I will plant thyme and rosemary in the mountains of paradise. Write the following, Brother Leo: only the poor will experience the intoxicating and surprising sensations the earth has to offer. Only the poor will enjoy the delicate wonders of the Father. How wonderful it is to be poor for the sake of love!”

Extracted from the book “Brother Francis of Assisi” by father Ignacio Larrañaga