The Feast of St Francis of Assisi.

"Behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way."  (Luke 10: 3 - 4).

Today is the feast of St Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226), the founder of the Franciscans.
"Francis, the man of God, left his home behind,
abandoned his inheritance and became poor and penniless,
but the Lord raised him up." (Entrance Antiphon on the Memorial of St Francis of Assisi).

What comes to your mind when you hear of St Francis of Assisi?  Many people would think of a man of peace. "Lord, make me an instrument of peace..." Others will think of radical evangelical poverty... "The little poor man of Assisi." Both are salient attributes in the profile of this exceptionally gifted holy man. I want to mention too Francis' deep love of creation and care of the earth.  Most people that are aware of the impending disaster from Global Warming will know Francis of Assisi and his contribution to this topical debate.

As gifted as Francis is, the Church recognizes in the Liturgy celebrating his life today that his gifts, talents, conformity to Jesus in poverty and humility all came from God.  All saints are saints because they are open to receive God's gifts.

You too can be a saint. You too can be an instrument of Peace. You too can be committed to preserving the beauty and goodness of the environment for future generations and an apostle of Climate Change.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5: 3).

"We thank you for the beauty of creation: may the work of man not disfigure it, but enhance it to your greater glory."  Amen.

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