Francis set out to read reality through the eyes and authority of those who have "suffered and been rejected"--and come out resurrected. (Sunday) 

I believe that both Francis and Clare knew and loved from a different source; they knew by participation in a Larger Knowing and Loving that many of us call God. (Monday) 

Francis spent much of his time praying in solitude in nature. He practiced contemplation, or "a long loving look at the real," which allowed him to see in a new way. (Tuesday) 

For Francis, Christ was in everything, so everyone and every part of creation was inherently deserving of respect because they all reflected a part of the image of the God who made them. (Wednesday) 

In Franciscan theology, the best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better. Just go ahead and do it better. If you really believe in the values you say you believe in, then put them into practice. (Thursday) 

True growth in holiness is a growth in willingness to love and be loved and a surrendering of willfulness, even holy willfulness (which is still "all about me"). (Friday)