Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi

Today's Mass Readings

Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved of all the saints by people everywhere. What appeals so much to so many? His simplicity of life, his honesty, zeal for the poor, love of nature and all of creation? All of this points to a man of great passion. He lived fully.

In the Gospel, we hear again the two great commandments. Love of God and Love of Neighbor. These two commandments together with the line from the Gospel, “go sell what you have, come and follow me,” guided much of Francis’ life and work and focused his energy, and surely led to his great care for the poor.

We encounter God’s word in the Scriptures. We hear not just with our ears, but with our hearts. It’s the kind of listening that can slowly transform us. In Psalm 39, we read, “my heart was burning within me. at the thought of it the fire blazed up and my tongue burst into speech.” The Word is stirring us to action.

This was the way of Francis – a man full of good zeal in hearing and responding to God’s calls to him. Francis was one who seized the moment and followed his heart. Carpe diem.

Francis was a man who followed the stirrings of his heart in his own turning to God, in the life he led, and in the good works he performed. Maybe today is the day for us to listen to that inner voice, to listen for the Lord’s promptings, to seize the moment, and act on that call with enthusiasm.

Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB