Living Righteously: From Writings by Saint Francis of Assisi (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

“‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.’ They are truly peacemakers who amidst all they suffer in this world, maintain peace in soul and body for the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“‘Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.’ They are clean of heart who forsake earthly things and always seek those of Heaven, and who never cease to adore and contemplate the Lord God Living and True, with pure heart and mind.”

“Blessed is that religious who feels no pleasure or joy save in most holy conversation and the works of the Lord, and who by these means leads men to the love of God in joy and gladness. And woe to that religious who takes delight in idle and vain words and by this means provokes men to laughter.”

“Blessed is the servant who bears discipline, accusation, and blame from others as patiently as if they came from himself. Blessed is the servant who, when reproved, mildly submits, modestly obeys, humbly confesses, and willingly satisfies. Blessed is the servant who is not prompt to excuse himself and who humbly bears shame and reproof for sin when he is without fault.”

“Blessed is that brother who would love his brother as much when he is ill and not able to assist him, as he loves him when he is well and able to assist him. Blessed is the brother who would love and fear his brother as much when he is far from him, as he would when with him, and who would not say anything about him behind his back that he could not with charity say in his presence.”

“Where there is charity and wisdom there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility there is neither anger nor worry. Where there is poverty and joy there is neither cupidity nor avarice. Where there is quiet and meditation there is neither solicitude nor dissipation. Where there is the fear of the Lord to guard the house, the enemy cannot find way to enter. Where there is mercy and discretion there is neither superfluity nor hard-heartedness.”

“Blessed is the servant who treasures up in Heaven the good things which the Lord shows him and who does not wish to manifest them to men through the hope of reward, for the Most High will Himself manifest His works to whomsoever He may please. Blessed is the servant who keeps the secrets of the Lord in his heart.”