St. Francis and the Lepers

I was reading a story about St. Francis and the lepers.  At first he was afraid of them.  They were dirty.  They were sinful.  He did not want to catch what they had.  He was repulsed by them.  He did not want to have anything to do with them.

Then he began to reach out.  To care.  Slowly.  To listen.  To feel a sense of compassion.  His heart began to change towards them.

Soon he noticed an amazing thing.  The space in his heart that was previously filled with concern and fear, was now filled with love.  What an amazing thing... a portion of a heart that was filled with fear, is now filled with love.

Who are the lepers in your life?  Who are the people that you are afraid of?  Who are those that might be on your outcast list?  Try reaching out, slowly, with compassion.

Maybe your fears too, can be replaced with love.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland next year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....

Treasures of Ireland

July 13-22, 2020

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours