Mighty and fearless love

When Francis of Assisi was ushered into the presence of the Sultan of Egypt and was told he must walk across a carpet that was covered with images of the cross, he did not hesitate, much to the surprise of the Muslim onlookers.

After he crossed the carpet, walking naturally and not trying to avoid treading on the crosses, he said, ‘I have walked on these crosses because they are the cross of the bad thief, which you may keep. I will, on the other hand, keep the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ.’

This unexpected outcome so impressed the Sultan that he admitted Francis into his intimate company, and allowed him to evangelize. Though it may be only a legend, there is a tradition that the Sultan told Francis, ‘I know that yours is the true faith, and that Jesus is the Lord, but if I openly confess Him here and now, we shall both be put to the sword. Living for Him in secret will allow me to work for Him openly.’ And before his repose, the Sultan sent for two Franciscan brothers to attend him at death, and they baptised him into life eternal.

Our love must be as mighty and fearless as Christ's, and then every blasphemy, every attack, every unfounded hatred and mockery shall be under the soles of our feet, just as the cross of the bad thief was under the feet of Francis of Assisi on that day.