Perfeita Alegria

The merciless winter evening falls, Francis and Leo walk on the snow
Returning to Santa Maria, hungry and cold, at the end of another day
Brother Leo goes ahead swiftly
Brother Francis calls him and says
Brother Leo, take note if you want to know what perfect joy is

If we have God's grace to preach the Gospel and the Cross
And through works and examples we can lead to Jesus
And convert men to faith, even those with evil hearts
Brother Leo, this is still not perfect joy

Imagine, Leo, that God has given us the grace to heal everyone
To make the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear and the mute speak
And even the demons flee at the command of our gaze
And if we were to resurrect the dead, this is not perfect joy

And if we spoke all languages with the gift of good communication
Transforming the kingdoms of the earth into kingdoms of peace
And if we knew all science and the secrets of the earth and sea
Brother Leo, this is still not perfect joy

But then, Father Francis, what is perfect joy?

If we arrive at our convent and knock quickly expecting to enter
And the porter inside instead of opening starts to speak
"Who are you who so importunately disturb us at this hour?"
"We are your brothers, Brother Leo and Francis, who have arrived and want to enter."

And, Brother Leo, if the porter says it's a lie and won't open
That we find another place in some corner
And if we, in front of the closed door, under the falling snow and night, keep peace, this is perfect joy

But if we insist in tears that he opens and has mercy on us
For hungry and so needy in the night, we have no comfort or place
And if then the porter comes out, wielding the stick and shouts
And beats you and me, even more, leaving us on the ground crying

And Brother Leo, if it is God who does this, leaving us in the night and on the cross
If we understand that this abandonment imitates Jesus
And if we, in front of the closed door, under the falling snow and night
Keep peace, this is perfect joy