Talk:The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi/Testament of the Holy Father St. Francis

I suggest a change in the first paragraph to the phrase "I had pity on them." Most translations I see use something like "showed them mercy." This is likely the most literal translation (I am certainly no expert in this area) but its sense may not be obvious to modern English speakers. My sense has always been that Francis is referring to what are known as the corporal works of mercy, doing good works to meet the needs of others. In this sense Francis is not just saying he "had pity on them" or even "became acquainted with them" but actually "served them in their needs" or "took care of them" or "ministered to their needs." It was in actually serving the needs of the lepers where Francis experienced the change he is describing. Br. Chris Cahill, OFM