Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
St Francis of Assisi – Conclusion of the Season of Creation
Luke 10:17-24
The cry of the poor is the cry of the Earth

Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, the poor man of God who saw all of creation as his brothers and sisters, and we also conclude the Season of Creation. The Word of God today reminds us of joy, humility, and the gift of seeing with childlike hearts.

In the Gospel, the seventy disciples return filled with joy because they have seen the power of Jesus at work. Yet Jesus reminds them: the true source of joy is not in their achievements, but in knowing that their names are written in heaven. Pride can make us blind, but humility opens our eyes to God’s grace. St. Francis lived this truth. He renounced the comforts of this world in order to embrace his greatest treasure – the love of Christ. His simplicity allowed him to see God’s presence not only in the poor and in lepers, but also in the birds of the air, the sun, the wind, and even “Sister Death.”

Baruch reminds us that even when we have turned away from God, He calls us back with compassion: “Turn again with tenfold zeal to seek Him.” This is a message for us today. We live in a world wounded by pride, greed, and environmental destruction. The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are deeply connected. To follow Francis is to return with humility, to rediscover the joy of living as children of God who care for creation as a gift, not as something to exploit.

As we close this Season of Creation, let us carry forward its spirit: rejoicing not in what we possess, but in God’s mercy; not in what we control, but in the wonder of being His children. With St. Francis, may we praise God in all things, living with humble joy and radiant simplicity.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025