On this Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, when we think of the saint, we naturally think of wildlife and canticles about Creation; Francis is remembered as the man who preached to birds and befriended wolves. But maybe we’re missing something. Hearing about Job’s humble silence after God’s discourse on Creation, maybe we need to consider another distinctly Franciscan quality: humility.
The son of a rich man, Francis dressed in rags, loved the poor and embraced lepers. He lived to serve, to help, to heal a broken world. Pilgrims today crowd the streets of Assisi to visit his tomb—which is notable for its plainness and simplicity.
St. Francis reminds us: meekness matters. There is grace in humility. Being of “little account” can count for a lot.
And he challenges us to ask ourselves: How can I live out the spirit of St. Francis today?
Thank you Deacon Greg. One of my favorite quotes attributable to St. Francis of Assissi, “When all else fails, use words…”. Happy Friday LFF. Going to see Juan this p.m. Susan had to be rehospitalized and is now back in Rehab after several days. Continued prayers. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Good morning LFF, I hope You all have a Wonderful weekend & to be Blessed. Please try & stay cool, hydrated in the heat. Thank you Deacon Greg Kandra, Salina & all here who respond & write so beautifully from our Lord Christ & our Most Blessed virgin Mother Mary, too. Much love & respect Janet a.k.a. "Sunshine".
Humility reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 18:4, "So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven!" *** Biblical humility (dependence on God’s mercy, independence from power, prestige and position, acceptance of God’s Word) and worldly humility (insecurity, indecisiveness, inactivity) are very different!!! *** Jesus' example of humility in Philippians 2:5-8, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross!" *** For me, "JOY" tells me how to apply humility: Jesus, others and you (me)!!! ******* 1 Peter 5:5-7, "In the same way, I’m speaking to you who are younger. Follow the lead of those who are older. All of you, put on a spirit free of pride toward one another. Put it on as if it were your clothes. Do this because Scripture says, “God opposes those who are proud. But He gives grace to those who are humble.” (Proverbs 3:34) So make yourselves humble. Put yourselves under God’s mighty hand. Then He will honor you at the right time. Turn all your worries over to Him. He cares about you!"
Dear LFF, I am in dire need of your prayers. Apartment house has sold ...and told I need to move asap. I cannot find anywhere I can afford and time is running out. Please pray that something comes along and I dont end up homeless. May God bless all of you.
Thanks deacon Greg for your comments and reflections this morning. Living faith family I am sharing this. Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace) Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Got card to Terry this morning with pastor and many notes and comments. Terry was visibly touched. Please Continue to pray for Stephanie and Christine Debbie and her daughter Anna Dennis and Shelly who are returning to Florida this week. Ken
Amen. :)
Greg thank you for your words of faith to reflect on. Humility and love are such moving characteristics, What we could do in a world filled with it?! BLessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days and may we all spread Gods love through all the world.
Amen!
"Lord Jesus, give me the child-like simplicity and purity of faith to gaze upon your face with joy and confidence in your all-merciful love. Remove every doubt, fear, and proud thought which would hinder me from receiving your word with trust and humble submission."
St. Francis also reminds us that saints have a past & sinners have a future.
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Thank you for the beautiful reflection in honor of Beloved St Francis today, Deacon Greg. The comparison between St Francis and Job is interesting. Thank you for the reminder that meekness matters. I pray that Jesus will help me to be more humble. My pride seems to get the best of a situation. Thank you Dearest Lord Jesus, for picking us up right where we are. Dear St Francis and Beloved St Therese of Lisieux, thank you for showing us how to live “ the Little way.”