A brother who was new to the faith practiced extreme fasting and harmed his body by eating too little. Over time, he became weak and overwhelmed by hunger. When the brother confessed his condition, Saint Francis responded with compassion and good judgment.
Francis immediately arranged for food to be shared. To spare the brother any embarrassment, he invited all the brothers to eat together. In this way, no one was singled out, and the brother could regain strength with dignity. After the meal, Francis spoke to the community.
Francis reminded the brothers to pay attention to their own health and physical limits. He warned them not to fall into excess, either by eating too much or by practicing severe fasting. Francis taught that God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and that true holiness requires wisdom and balance.
This story shows Francis’s deep understanding of human weakness and his belief that spiritual practices should lead to life, not harm. It reminds us that caring for the body is part of faithfully following the Gospel.
People of Peace OFS Fraternity - Favorite Stories: 9 of 12
Resources:
The Assisi Compilation, 50 (FA:ED II, p. 149 - 150)
Bonaventure - The Major Legend of Saint Francis, Chapter 5:7 (FA:ED II, p. 565)
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