Many of us react quite negatively to suffering.

We believe in God, we speak of faith, hope and gratitude to the Father when our lives run smoothly.

However, when the setback winds blow in torment, the anger sets in and we shout: Why God? Why me?

At such moments, we forget that God is the Father of Love and Justice, we forget the power of prayer, we forget many things...

However, looking at the lives of others we see that some suffer more than us and yet are not rebellious or ungrateful.

We remind you that about six years before his death, Francis of Assisi suffered from a serious eye disease, which caused him severe pain.

His vision seemed covered with a veil. First, he began to feel like his eyes were tearing. Later, his eyelids were swollen due to irritation and infection.

Rubbing his eyes only worsened the case. The light bothered him. And his vision was always getting worse.

It is believed that this was a disease outbreak in the dry climate and sandy soils of Egypt known as trachoma.

Francis had spent enough time in the camp of the Crusaders located at the fetid, humid shores of the Nile. The location lacked proper hygiene and diseases were spread.

In early spring of 1225, friends took Francisco to a doctor who had imagined a revolutionary method for treating eye diseases.

The doctor arrived with the iron tool used for cauterization. He lit the fire and then put the iron in it.

His friends explained to Francis what the doctor was going to do: the already glowing red iron would be used to burn the meat on both sides of Francis's head, from the cheeks to the eyebrows.

The veins of his temples were going to be open and the hope was that the infection that was causing the blindness was going to be drained.

While the iron was heating up, Francis amazed everyone.

With a weak and obviously anxious voice he said:

My brother fire, you are noble and useful among all the creatures of the Almighty. Be kind to me this time.

For long I have loved you. I pray to our Creator who made you to season your heat, so that I can bear.

And with a gesture, he blessed the fire.

His friends left the room, terrified of the procedure that would be executed. Francis remained alone with the doctor.

The irons were applied and the burns extended from the ears to the eyebrows. The head was cauterized and the veins open.

When his companions returned to the room, the patient was unusually quiet and with no complaints.

The whole procedure was ineffective but what stands out is the faith of Francis, exemplifying that the true Christian must endure the pain with serenity, proving his courage.

*   *   *

Surely we still have much to learn. But as the days of calm embrace us, let us pray and ask God to strengthen us for the stormy days that may arise at some point the future.

Think about it.

Spiritist Moment Team, based on chapter
Quinze (1225-1226), of the book
Francisco de Assis, o santo relutante, by
Donald Spoto, published by Objetiva.
August 13.2010.