Chapter XII

How S. Francis laid on Brother Masseo the office of the door, of alms-giving, and of the kitchen: then at the prayers of the brothers set him free of them

S. Francis, desiring to humble Brother Masseo, to the end that he might not be lifted up to vain glory by the many gifts and graces that God gave him, but by virtue of humility might grow there- with from virtue unto virtue, on a time when he abode in a solitary place with those true saints, his first companions (among the which was the said Brother Masseo), spake on a day to Brother Masseo, before all his companions: " O Brother Masseo, all these thy companions have the grace of contemplation and of prayer; but thou hast the grace of preaching the word of God, for the satisfying of the people: wherefore to the end that these may be able to give themselves up to contemplation, I will that thou perform the office of the door and of almsgiving and of the kitchen; and when the other brothers eat, thou shalt eat without the door of the House; so that whosoever shall come to the house, thou mayst satisfy them, ere they knock, with some good words of God; so that then none other need go out save thee; and this do for the merit of holy obedience." Therewith Brother Masseo drew back his hood and bent his head, and humbly received that obedience, and continued therein for many days performing the office of the door and of alms-giving and ot the kitchen. Whereat his companions, as men enlightened of God, began to feel in their hearts great remorse, considering that Brother Masseo was a man of great perfection, even as they and more so, and that on him was laid all the burden of the House and not on them. For the which cause they all were moved with one desire, and gat them to the holy father and besought him that it would please him to distribute among them those offices, sith their consciences could in no wise endure that Brother Masseo should bear the burden of such toil. Hearing this, S. Francis yielded him unto their counsels, and granted their desire; and calling Brother Masseo, said unto him: ” Brother Masseo, thy companions desire to have share in the offices that I have given thee, and therefore I will that the said offices be divided." Quoth Brother Masseo with great humility and patience: ” Father, whate'er thou dost lay on me, or wholly, or in part, I deem it altogether done of God." Then S. Francis, beholding their loving kindness and the humility of Brother Masseo, preached unto them a marvellous sermon on holy humility; setting forth unto them that the greater the gifts and graces that God giveth us, the more humble should we be, sith without humility no virtue is acceptable to God. And done the preaching, he distributed the offices with love exceeding great.