Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
Readings: Galatians 6:14-18; Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11; Matthew 11:25-30
Summary
At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will (MT 11:25-26).
Reflection
Saint Francis of Assisi was poor only that he might be Christ-like. He recognized creation as another manifestation of the beauty of God. In 1979, he was named patron of ecology. He did great penance—apologizing to “Brother Body” later in life—that he might be totally disciplined for the will of God. Francis’ poverty had a sister, Humility, by which he meant total dependence on the good God. But all this was, as it were, preliminary to the heart of his spirituality: living the gospel life, summed up in the charity of Jesus and perfectly expressed in the Eucharist.
Franciscan Media writeup: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi/
Personal Reflection
Service recorded three years ago … powerful. I’ll update with yesterday when they post it.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/1004-memorial-francis-assisi.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry