So, by means of these six wings, it is possible accurately to understand the six levelsof enlightenment, by which the soul, as though taking steps or making gradual movement,transcends into peace through an ecstatic deepening of Christian wisdom.This path, however, is nothing but a burning love for the Crucified, which so transformedPaul into Christ, being caught up in the third heaven - so much so that hesaid, "I am crucified with Christ - but it is now not I who live, but Christ who lives inme"11. It was also this love which so absorbed Francis' mind and expressed itself inhis flesh for two years before his death, during which time he bore the most sacredstigmata of the Passion. The image of the six seraphic wings implies the six gradesof enlightenment, which begin with the created world and lead ultimately to God, intowhom no-one truly enters except through the Crucified. For, whoever does not enterby the door, but ascends in some other way, is but a trespasser and a thief