Jesus is consumed with love for the mission entrusted to him by his Father, and
nothing can separate him or even distract him from its accomplishment. When he
asks us to follow him, this is an expression of the divine pleasure to have us
truly united with him in his task. Saint Francis knew that this union was the
way of peace, joy and fullness of life in the midst of every conceivable trial
and tribulation. Perhaps we are well aware of the distance between our level of
discipleship and what Francis and the Lord Jesus hold out to us. The Lord can
close the gap by the gift of his Spirit. Let us open our hearts to him.
Meditation by Father Timothy.