Tales of St. Francis

By Murray Bodo

Book Overview

There was a time at the very beginning when Francis and his brothers lived at a place near Assisi called Rivo Torto...At Rivo Torto they fasted and did penance with all the enthusiasm and sometimes the imprudence of novices in the life of the Spirit, as the following story shows.

One night, as they all lay sleeping soundly, a loud cry broke into their dreams:

"I am dying I am dying Help me "

And the brothers, startled for their sleep, saw St. Francis already at the side of the terrified brother.

"What is it, brother? Tell me."

And though he was now embarrassed, the brother overcame shame and said:

"Forgive me, Father Francis; but I am dying of hunger."

Then St. Francis immediately ordered the brothers to light a torch and go out and gather some herbs and vegetables and whatever else they could find for all of them to have a good, nourishing meal. He said this so that the poor brother would not have to be humiliated by eating alone. And so all the brothers set themselves eagerly to the task of preparing a meal and then they all sat down with the hungry brother and ate a midnight supper.

Lesson: Distinguish between moderation and excess. We mature in God when we let him come and go as he wills and not try to force him to stay by exaggerated penance.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307885844
• ISBN13: 9780307885845
• Release Date: September 1988
• Publisher: Doubleday Religious Publishing Group, The
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Tales of St. Francis; Ancient Stories for Contemporary Times

Tales of St. Francis: Ancient Stories for Contemporary Times Good condition, received timely, good packaging TY R

Father Bodo's book captivates reading group.

Father Murray Bodo's Tales of Saint Francis is an ideal starting point for studying the life and teachings of the saint. Although the eight members of our reading group are all long-time admirers of Saint Francis and have read quite a few books about him, we are captivated by Bodo's re-telling of these classic, simple stories. With gentleness and clarity, the author distills each tale into its fundamental message. His brief but powerful versions of these centuries-old "little flowers" have brought them fully alive to us, prompting earnest discussion and examination of the possibilities of a life inspired by love of God and one another. Although each story is only two or three pages long, every one of them illuminates the path of Franciscan spirituality that has inspired humanity for eight hundred years.