FORGIVENESS

Wikipedia
Oldest depiction of St Francis
Benedictine abbey of Subiaco
1228-9

This is a followup to the post GRATITUDE which focused on St Francis' response to the awareness of God's gifts.

A friend wrote:

I was led to reflect on St Francis and forgiveness and found the story below.

Italics are my addition.

"One day Francis met an acquaintance of his who looked troubled, and he asked him: 'Brother, how are things with you?' The man immediately began to rant against his master, saying, 'Thanks to my master — May God curse him! — I have had nothing but misfortune. He has taken away all that I possess.'

Francis was filled with pity for the man, and said, 'Brother, pardon your master for the love of God, and free your own soul; it's possible that he will restore to you whatever he has taken away. Otherwise, you have lost your goods and will lose your soul as well.'

But the man said, 'I can't fully forgive him unless he returns what he has taken from me.' Francis answered, 'Look, I will give you this cloak; I beg you to forgive your master for the love of the Lord God.' The man's heart was melted by this kindness, and he forgave his master. Immediately, he was filled with joy."

"St. Francis was truly a man of forgiveness, a peacemaker who became a channel of God's grace to others. We can become like St. Francis. When we pray for those who have offended us, it frees us to love as God loves. God's grace has power not only to change us, but those who have done us injury as well."

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 The gratitude and forgiveness which Francis taught are expressed in Gainesville through the St. Francis House for the hungry and homeless.

St. Francis House

"The St. Francis House homeless shelter and soup kitchen in Gainesville, Florida provides emergency food, temporary shelter, and related support services in a safe, secure environment for people in Alachua County who, for whatever reason, find themselves homeless and hungry.  Our staff and volunteers introduce guests to many community resources available to resolve problems underlying their crisis. St. Francis House provides these services in a supportive environment where people can begin to manage their problems effectively and re-establish themselves as productive members of the community." 

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