October 4 - St. Francis of Assisi

+ Widespread heresy, scandals among the clergy, and a decline in attendance threatened the Church of St. Francis’ day.

The son of a rich cloth merchant, Francis converted to a life of prayer in his early twenties.

In a dream, God told him, “Go and repair my church, which, as you can see, is in ruins.”

Francis began rebuilding the crumbling structure of San Damiano.

But his great work of renewal was the new form of life he embraced in 1208.

His radical poverty and passionate preaching drew five thousand men to the Friars Minor in the next twelve years.

Francis died in 1226 in Assisi, and was canonized just two years later.

But wait, there is more to tell – the hidden story – the pre-story to Francis’ rebuilding project was the fact that God first rebuilt and transformed Francis into a poor and humble servant – from inside out – through afflictions of mind, body and spirit;

in fact, he rebuilt Francis into the image of him that he always had in mind that was beyond the wildest imaginings of the rich young knight from Assisi.

After being rebuilt, Francis was ready to take his marching orders from Christ his True King and Lord – and the overflowing river of peace onto the Mystical Body of Christ flows into our very day!

And now we – are called to be instruments of peace, and joy and hope – to a world just awaiting renewal, regeneration and rebirth.

Yes, Lord, we are here, we are ready, we are willing – use us as you will as poor, humble slaves!

Guide us, Lord, along the everlasting way!