Feast of St Francis of Asissi, OFM.
"As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
"Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”
"And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”
"And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”
"Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9: 57 - 62).
Wednesday 4th October 2023 of the 26th Week of Ordinary Time is the great feast of St Francis of Assisi, the Little One.
St Francis of Asissi heard the call of Jesus to rebuild His Church. Francis answered YES with all his heart and followed Jesus with amazing generosity to the end of his 46 years.
Who is St Francis of Assisi?
(1182 - 1226). Italian. Deacon and Founder of the Order of Friars Minor, popularly known as the Franciscans. We Salute all our Franciscan friends all over the world who have labored in the Lord's Vineyard since the 1220s in all fields of the Apostolate. Persevere to the end and your reward will be huge.
Francis became famous for imitating closely the poverty of Jesus Christ in spirit and in deed. Holiness always attracts. After Francis was seized by Jesus and said Yes to the Lord, Francis soon attracted a group of like-minded young men who bound themselves together to live evangelical poverty, chastity and obedience. Our Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Church has used simple men like Francis and the Franciscans to renew the Church which is ever in need of reform.
What comes to your mind when you hear of St Francis of Assisi in 2023? 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 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.
Other pivotal figures raised up by the Holy Spirit for the renewal of the Church are:
Benedict, Clare, Dominic, Ignatius Loyola, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Kolkata, etc.
Are you the next great Saint? 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 become an apostle of Care for Creation and Safe Environment.
"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.
St Padre Pio writes à propos to the Holy Rosary:
"Some people are so foolish that they think they can go through life without the help of the Blessed Mother. Love the Madonna and pray the rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. All graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother." (St. Padre Pio).
October is the Month we celebrate the Holy Rosary. Why a special month for the Holy Rosary? Because the Rosary is perhaps the most powerful gift to connect to God after the Holy Mass. It can be said by everyone: alone or in group.
A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.
Say the Holy Rosary every day this October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1
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