When Saint Francis came upon a quantity of flowers, he would preach to them and invite them to praise God, just as if they had the ability to reason. He would also speak to cornfield and vineyards, stones, woods, and every beauty of the land in this way. He would experience the elements of earth, air, fire, and water with gratitude. He understood that they all willingly served God.
In short, he called all creatures by the name brother or sister. He saw hidden things of creation with the eye of compassion. For, in his own way, he had escaped back into the wondrous freedom of childhood.
In short, he called all creatures by the name brother or sister. He saw hidden things of creation with the eye of compassion. For, in his own way, he had escaped back into the wondrous freedom of childhood.
- The First Life of St. Francis (pub. 1229), by Thomas of Celano
