Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi
Scripture:
Job 38: 1, 12-21; 40:3-5
Luke 10:13-16
Reflection:
Witnessing God’s Loving Presence
Jesus confronted the reality of evil and selfishness with his message of life and love. Some have received his message with an open heart; others have turned away in a spirit of denial. Today’s Gospel selection from Luke 10 shares Jesus’ cries of “woe” and challenge to those who remained hard-hearted and closed to his message of Love and Life. Contrasting is the message of today’s first reading from the Book of Job wherein the Lord addressed Job in his distress and tried to put a new perspective on his troubles: God’s love is powerful and creative, helping us to prosper in life’s every opportunity and challenge… It’s ours to be humble and open to the saving power of God! God’s love is real!!
Today we celebrate the life of a 12th Century saint who was called to help bring about a renewal in the Church through the personal witness of his life, his “spirit.” Francis of Assisi heard the personal call of Jesus and gave himself wholeheartedly to Jesus in a life both simple and extraordinary…leading him to praise, sacrifice and service.
The Scriptures came alive for Francis of Assisi. His carefree youth was radically changed by the call of Jesus; he renounced his personal possessions and redirected his life to evangelical poverty and preaching. Francis’ life witness was charismatic, compassionate, and loving of all God’s creation. God used Francis to call others to lives of radical discipleship – and so many responded that Francis compiled a “rule of life” and founded numerous religious communities of women and men. He lived but 44 short years, sharing the joy of those early disciples of Jesus, sparking a spiritual renewal that continues to inspire men and women today – especially as witnessed by our own Pope Francis! “Rebuild my church…”…then and now!
Today Jesus and Job and Francis of Assisi challenge us to generously promote the Kingdom of God. Our world is challenged by violence, selfishness, poverty and hunger, hopelessness, injustice, racism, etc. We are challenged to be faith-filled disciples…to respect God’s presence in all people, in nature and all created things…especially the daily events of life. Simplicity and humility are to be virtues of 21st Century disciples, witnessing the ongoing mercy and compassion which are the heart of God.
The Collect Prayer of today’s feast day Eucharist prays: “…Saint Francis was conformed to Christ in poverty and humility; grant that, by walking in Francis’ footsteps, we may follow your Son, and, through joyful charity come to be united with you….” Like Francis, may we be channels of God’s peace!
Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.