Sacred Encounter

The king of France desired much to meet
A monk reputed for great sanctity,
In a strict order’s monastery hid
On Umbria’s rolling hills in Italy.

Thus he climbed up as beggar in disguise
With longing in his heart the jutting hill
Where the stern order’s monastery lies,
His yearning and his purpose to fulfill.

And when the portier opened he spoke thus:
”Would it be possible to speak and see
The friar who is named Egidius
In matters of import and urgency”.

The monk came out, and the two men embraced,
As if they’d known each other well for years,
And the on looking friars were amazed,
To see the two were shedding joyous tears.

No word was spoken by the tongue-tied two.
They hugged and wept in silent ecstasy.
And silent they remained for each one knew
And felt another world’s reality.

And after that the beggar king of France
(Saint Louis of France) was ready to depart.
His eyes a-shining in bright radiance ,
While comfort overflowed his questing heart.

The friars who had witnessed the strange scene
Were furious and called the monk a fool.
Spoke “shame on you, you dunce not worth a bean,
Disgracing churlishly our order’s rule.”

“You did not even talk to him moron!
Go and do penance for this grievous sin,
Dim wit~ you dolt, not worth a herring bone
Discourteous to a visitor and mean.

To this reproach Egidio replied::
Dear brothers in the Lord be not surprised.
We saw each other in the celestial light.
In the effulgent brilliant light of Christ”.

Souls know each other with one single glance
Identify discern with perfect sight.
No words are needed and no utterance
When they behold each other in His light.

(C) Elizabeth Dandy

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Author's Notes/Comments: 

St. Louis (1215-1270), King of France

Brother Egidio (13th century)

Little Flowers of Saint Francis

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CoreyRyan1's picture

"Souls know each other with

"Souls know each other with one single glance
Identify discern with perfect sight".--I love this!