John was born January 14 of poor parents in Portugal. Orphaned early in life,
he spent some years begging from door to door. After finding work in Spain as
a shepherd, he shared the little he earned with those even more needy than himself.
One day two Franciscans encountered him on a journey. Engaging him in conversation,
they took a liking to the simple man and invited him to come and work at their
friary in Salamanca. He readily accepted and was assigned to the task of assisting
the brother with gardening duties. A short time later John himself entered the
Franciscan Order and lived a life of prayer and meditation, fasting constantly,
spending the nights in prayer, still helping the poor. Because of his work in
the garden and the flowers he produced for the altar, he became known as "the
gardener."
God favored John with the gift of prophecy and the ability to read hearts. Important
persons, including princes, came to the humble, ever-obedient friar for advice.
He was so loving towards all that he never wanted to take offense at anything.
His advice was that to forgive offenses is an act of penance most pleasing to
God. He
predicted the day of his own death: January 11, 1501.
Comment: A
monastery garden was tended well to feed the community, not to make the grounds
pretty. John saw to it that the refectory table was well supplied. But he also
added a bit of beauty, growing flowers to enhance the chapel. God is surely
pleased when we add a bit of beauty to the world—especially when we warm
it with an act of forgiveness. For, as John insisted, forgiveness is the loveliest
thing in God’s eyes.
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