Today marks the feastday of St. Francis of Assisi. He is one of the most popular and well-known Saints of our entire tradition.
While still a young man, St. Francis heard a sermon on St. Matthew’s 9th and 10th chapters which changed his life. In those chapters, Jesus tells his followers to go forth and proclaim the imminent coming of the Reign of God. On the way, they are to take no money nor even a walking stick or shoes for the road. Clad in a rough garment, barefoot without staff or purse, St. Francis began to preach a message of repentance. Within a year, he had eleven followers. He himself chose never to be ordained a priest and he insisted that the new community live as “lesser brothers” (Friars Minor) – the name by which the Order is still known.
One of the great gifts which the “brothers” offered to their time and ours is a message of cheer and song and making a deep impression on those who want to take the Gospel seriously. Their lasting legacy is their obvious respect for and obedience to Church leaders and their faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus.
Let us pray. “O God, you helped St. Francis to reflect the image of your Son through a life of poverty and humility. May we follow Jesus by walking in the footsteps of St. Francis, especially by imitating his joyful love and his desire for peace. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
