For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
- Matthew 7:14
When Francis was assailed by temptations, he would throw himself naked into ditches full of snow or roll in a briar patch. He called his body, “brother donkey,” and denied himself many legitimate physical comforts. In later life, he would apologize to “brother donkey” for treating him so harshly. But God enlightened Francis to see the great value in a life of penance and reparation and his example has helped the whole world. He never proceeded in Holy Orders beyond the diaconate because he did not feel worthy of the honors of the priesthood. One of his outstanding virtues was his compassion, which reached out to all, but especially to the marginalized and the underprivileged. One of the biographers of Francis said of him, “Among the saints, he was the most saintly, and among sinners, he looked like one of them.”
Life of St. Francis
For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
- Matthew 7:14