1. On Oct. 4, we will commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. He is a saint who has fascinated and captivated the world. His simple lifestyle was understood as: “Let’s get back to the basics.” Who could argue with that? Every once in a while, we need a prophetic voice in our lives challenging the hardness of our hearts, especially in areas where we get stuck in our own preconceptions. Take, for instance, the trouble we see in the world with turmoil, violence, war, aggression, bullying, etc. We recall his simple cry that we sing about: “Make me a channel of Your peace.” The words of this heartfelt plea are attributed to St. Francis by providing simple but concrete ways to make a difference in our world. Most of the time, we want to dominate by force. St. Francis urges us to build moments of peace by trying to “understand” each other, to “bring love” to a relationship, and to bring “joy” and “consolation” in times of sadness. True and lasting peace is built not merely by the absence of war, but the valuing of the dignity of every single person, even when it is hard to do so or when we may disagree.

2. St. Francis also reminds us about the love for creation. Perhaps, this was Pope Francis’ signature theme and his enduring legacy to remind us that we have but one planet and world in which to live. We must take care of it by stewarding our planet with care, leaving it in better shape for the next generation. This is not a talking point of partisan politics; rather, it is just plain common sense that we would care for our own bodies or our own homes or property. Afterall, everything belongs to God and we have it for a while and then we must pass it on to the next generation. Or, we will have to return it to the Lord, like our very lives. Brother Sun and Sister Moon were part of the wonder of creation in which we marvel whenever we look to the heavens. We are part of the created goodness that God intended at the very beginning. Through the immensity and beauty of the universe, we can only wonder like the psalmist: “Who am I that You care for me?” (cf. Psalm 8) We must have an appreciation for all that is intended to be good — even the notion that God cares for me, too!

3. St. Francis has inspired men and women of every generation to follow the Lord in simplicity of life with the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, obedience. In a few words, poverty refers to living simply and freely and not being possessed by possessions, chastity refers to loving with an undivided heart, and obedience refers to seeking and doing God’s will, oftentimes through a community, by a rule of life or reliance on a religious superior. Again, this allows one to live in right relationship with others, to know where one fits in, and to be truly dedicated to accomplishing the Lord’s will. It is best said not by telling the Lord, “Here’s what I’m going to do for You, Lord,” but by imploring His aid by saying, “What do You want me to do for You today, Lord?” In that way, the answer may not be what you expect. In the end, you will find the peace in your heart that you are searching for!

In summary, during this year of St. Francis, it is worthwhile to consider what our foundations are in life. Going back to the basics, listening to God speaking to us, respecting creation, and being artisans of peace in our own little corner of the world will help reform the world in ways that will bring about a greater respect for all life and all creation.

In your prayer, or during a holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament, I urge you to pull out the hymnal and look for the Prayer of St. Francis. There is much in the song to reflect on as part of a more in-depth examination of conscience. The way we can make a difference in the world is by improving ourselves through the grace of God and saying “yes” to His will. May God bless you abundantly during this year of St. Francis!

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

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,

and 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.

Amen.