Saturday, October 4, 2025
Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Francis
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power
to tread upon serpents and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy,
and nothing will harm you.
When the disciples returned from the adventure Jesus had set out for them, they beamed with joy, filled to the brim with stories of their successful healings. Jesus rejoiced with them for the healings, as well as for their growing faith.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
I give you praise, 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.
Francis of Assisi brought revival to the 13th century Church, and he reminded many then, and many now of Jesus the man. In his own child-likeness, Francis inspired popes and paupers alike to follow a path of poverty and intense prayer, and what we call the stigmata gave contemporary witnesses a witness to how God responded to Francis’ devotion.
Francis didn’t differentiate between birds and the kings, preaching to them both. He famously said, “Preach at all times and in all places, and if necessary, use words.” Francis traveled to meet the Muslim Sultan of Egypt al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade, and their time together led to mutual respect. A few years later Francis inspired the first nativity scene on Christmas Eve in a cave near Greccio, Italy. People looking for Francis found him in the forest praying beside an ox next to a creche, and they joined him. He took the Gospel literally and realized God’s power and presence everywhere and in everything. Listening to and watching Francis, men and women realized that their faith was deeper than anything else in their lives.
Early in his ministry God offered him a chance to overcome his revulsion toward lepers. Francis kissed the leper as he approached and realized he was kissing Jesus. Â God removed his blinders as fear was transformed into love, into a kiss for all creation.
Fear not, my children; call out to God!
He who brought this upon you will remember you.
As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God,
turn now ten times the more to seek him;
For he who has brought disaster upon you
will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy.
The Lord listens to the poor.
See, you lowly ones, and be glad!
Working as a boy every day in a dairy barn reduced my distaste for the smelly liquid and solid wastes of life, and for the residue of disease as well. That’s helped me stay focused in emergencies and increased my empathy for people in physical and mental pain. I’ve read Philip Yancey’s book about leprosy and watched episodes of Cadfael without cringing. My visits to hospitals have generally resulted prayers of hope and joy. I imagine Francis’ unflinching example has been in the back of my mind during many of these moments, and I am grateful.
Turning to the disciples in private Jesus said,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
(Baruch 4, Psalm 69, Matthew 11, Luke 10)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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