My Catholic parents assured a connection with St. Francis of Assisi– whose feast day is today, October 4^th, by naming me Francesco! As a young person, I, mostly remembered the stories of his deep connections with nature and animals. Over the years I have grown to appreciate him as someone who lived the teachings of Jesus. Francis’ life reflected our mission statement, “To act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.” He embraced poverty, humility, and simplicity. His ministry was a commitment to serving others, especially the poor, the sick, and the lepers. His asking God to make him an instrument of peace, showed a commitment to nonviolence and reconciliation.

How might our twenty-first century lives reflect the ways of St. Francis?  

We can choose to embrace simplicity. Honor what matters most- relationships, community and the growth of our spirit. Love and care for creation. Respect the environment, reduce waste, show kindness and compassion to all living things. Live humbly. Be among those who are vulnerable. Work to bring about good in this world. Put into practice, ways of reconciliation. Be a peacemaker. Pray, daily. Connect with the Divine presence in and around you. Show compassion and generosity. Volunteer. Advocate for social justice. Treat everyone with dignity. And, let go . . . Detach from things and habits that steal you away from being who you are called to be in this world. Cultivate peace within yourself, and within our world.

Prayer: Holy One, open the pathways to bring justice to searching souls, mercy to broken hearts, humility to seeking spirits. Let what we say and what we do make us instruments of your peace. Amen.