October 4, 2024
St. Francis of Assisi
The Patron Saint of Humility
Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
Job 40:4

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?

- Deacon Greg Kandra

Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 ✚ Psalm 139:1-3, 7-10, 13-14 ✚ Luke 10:13-16
Religious statue of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne, Australia. Image By panithi33 | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

October 4, 2024 at 09:44 PM

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.”

October 4, 2024 at 02:47 PM

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.

peggyR
October 4, 2024 at 09:48 PM

Continuing to lift Susan and Juan in prayer, Jane. Hoping she can bounce back quickly from this bump in the road.

October 4, 2024 at 02:40 PM

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.

Janet a.k.a. "Sunshine" Respond to comment
October 4, 2024 at 01:40 PM

Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Janet a.k.a. "Sunshine" Respond to comment
October 4, 2024 at 01:39 PM

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".

October 4, 2024 at 11:22 AM

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!"

October 4, 2024 at 10:19 AM

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.

jane
October 4, 2024 at 02:45 PM

Robert, asking the lord to light your path. Please call the Catholic Charities or the United Way in your area. They can help. Amen.

Kjc
October 4, 2024 at 11:56 AM

Robert, I am praying for you to find an acceptable living place. I agree ask family members if they have any ideas. Also I agree find out what others in your complex are doing. Finally, check with Catholic charities and your local parish. Maybe there is someone who would share living expenses. I am praying for you right now. Ken

Kathy J
October 4, 2024 at 10:45 AM

Robert- I am praying for you to find a home again…and soon✝️I pray to Jesus & Mary to guide you to someplace safe, warm and affordable ✝️

peggyR
October 4, 2024 at 10:44 AM

Praying that you find housing as soon as possible , Robert. Maybe there’s an affordable housing unit in your city. I don’t know where you live, but perhaps you have trusted family or friends who can assist you through this time of transition. Something will come along. Where are other tenants in your apartment complex moving? Sending you prayers of action, Robert.

October 4, 2024 at 10:09 AM

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

jane
October 4, 2024 at 02:44 PM

Ken, there are angels among us and we count you as one. Thank you for your continued service to others. Small acts, mighty feelings. Lifting Terry (Happy 93rd!), Stephanie, Christi, Debbie, Anna, Dennis and Shelly - sending them light for the path back to Florida. Amen.

peggyR
October 4, 2024 at 10:57 AM

To our little St Francis, that’s you Ken! You literally fly around and help Anyone who needs any kind of support. God bless you richly. Happy, Happy Birthday Terry!! You’ve kept her going through her surgeries, dr appts, etc. You’re the gospel in action.

MikeE
October 4, 2024 at 10:47 AM

Sending prayers for your housing and well being.

Pam
October 4, 2024 at 10:41 AM

Ken...when I read that prayer, and thank you for posting it, I thought of you! You are the epitome of that prayer! I can just see Terry so touched by the Birthday Card that you organized! For ALL of our Living Faith Family ~ God Bless Us ALL And ALL Who We Love!

October 4, 2024 at 10:02 AM

Amen. :)

October 4, 2024 at 08:53 AM

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.

Stormi
October 4, 2024 at 08:57 AM

Just had a chance to read yesterdays comments. Extra prayers for Catherine, Terry and Rusty.

October 4, 2024 at 08:17 AM

Amen!

October 4, 2024 at 08:11 AM

"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."

peggyR
October 4, 2024 at 09:31 PM

Beautiful prayer Miguel, thank you so much.

October 4, 2024 at 07:52 AM

St. Francis also reminds us that saints have a past & sinners have a future.

Sharon
October 4, 2024 at 08:06 AM

Amen!!

Religious statue of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne, Australia. Image By panithi33 | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

STAY CONNECTED

Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.

Most popular devotions

Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email

About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us

© 2024 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.