Chapter XCIX Of an exceeding sore temptation that he had for more than two years Whilsthe was abiding in the place of S. Mary an exceeding strong
Complete three-work composite: CCEL Fioretti; Salter 1904 Life and Miracles; Evans 1899 / Goretti 2025 Mirror
Chapter XCIX Of an exceeding sore temptation that he had for more than two years Whilsthe was abiding in the place of S. Mary an exceeding strong
temptation was sent upon him for the profit of his soul. Thereby
was he so sore afflicted in mind and body that many a time would he withdraw him from the company of the brethren, for that he could not show himself unto them as cheerful as was his wont. Nevertheless, he did afflict himself by abstinence from meat and drink and words, did pray instantly and shed abundant tears that the Lord would deign to send him a sufficient remedy in tribulation so sore.
When he had been thus afflicted more than two years, it befell that on a certain day whilst that he was praying in the Church of S. Mary, that word of the Gospel was spoken unto him in spirit: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove.”
The Blessed Francis made answer: “Lord, what is this mountain?” And it was said unto him: “This mountain is thy temptation.” And S. Francis said: “Therefore, O Lord, be it unto me as Thou hast spoken!”
Straightway he was set free so perfectly as that it seemed to him he had never had any temptation at all. In like manner on the holy mount Alverna, whereon he did receive the stigmata of the Lord in his body, he did suffer temptations and tribulations of the devils so that he could not show him cheerful as was his wont. For he said unto his companion: “Did the brethren only know how many and how sore be the tribulations and afflictions where- with the devils do persecute me, there is not one of them but would be moved with pity and compassion toward me.”