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.
Friday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time Luke 10: 13-16 The Responsibility of Hearing God’s Word
Today’s readings remind us that hearing God’s Word is both a gift and a responsibility. In the Gospel, Jesus laments over Chorazin and Bethsaida—towns that had witnessed His mighty works yet refused to repent. In the first reading, the people confess their sins: “We have not listened to the voice of the Lord our God.”
The truth is clear: God’s Word is never neutral. Every time we hear the Gospel, it calls us to a decision. To receive it with faith is to find life. To reject it is to close the door on the very One who desires to save us.
A true disciple cannot use the Gospel for personal advantage, and the servant of a crucified Lord cannot be a seeker of luxury. This is a lesson not only for priests and preachers, but for every Christian: our witness must be rooted in humility and service, not in self-interest.
Jesus also tells us that the more light we receive, the greater our responsibility. If we hear the Word week after week, if we are nourished by the sacraments, then we are entrusted with much. As disciples, we cannot remain indifferent.
Yet, this call is not heavy—it is life-giving. To accept God’s Word is to find peace, joy, and strength for our journey. So let us ask the Lord today: give us ears to listen, hearts ready to obey, and the courage to live your Word faithfully. And may our Guardian Angels guide us always on the path of love and service.
Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels Luke 10:1-12 The Guardian Angels and Our Mission of Simplicity
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Guardian Angels. It is a feast that reminds us of God’s tenderness, his closeness, and his constant care for us. Each of us has an angel who walks beside us, not as a distant figure, but as a companion who guards us, guides us, and whispers to our hearts the way of the Gospel. As Pope Francis had said, “No one journeys alone, and no one should think that they are alone. This companion is always with us!”
The Gospel of Luke gives us a broader vision of this mission. Jesus sends out seventy disciples—far more than the Twelve. To the Jewish mind, this number was full of meaning. Seventy were the elders who shared Moses’ burden in the wilderness. Seventy was the number of the Sanhedrin, the council that guided Israel. And seventy was believed to be the number of nations in the world. Luke’s point is clear: the mission of Jesus is not narrow or exclusive—it is universal. Every nation, every people, every heart is called to hear the good news of God’s kingdom.
But Jesus also gives clear instructions: “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals.” Travel light. Be free. Do not let possessions or comforts weigh you down. This reminds us of our Guardian Angels, who are totally free for God, uncluttered by anything that distracts them. They accompany us so that we too may walk lightly, keeping our eyes on Christ.
Nehemiah gives us another image: the people listening attentively to the Word of God. They stand for hours as Ezra reads from the law, and they weep as they hear it. The Word pierces their hearts. But Ezra and Nehemiah remind them: “Do not be sad. The joy of the Lord is your strength.” God’s Word does not condemn—it gives life. Like the Guardian Angels, it leads us back to joy, to peace, to the freedom of knowing we are loved and accompanied.
Today, let us thank the Lord for the gift of our Guardian Angels. And let us ask for the grace to live simply, humbly, joyfully—ready to be sent wherever the Lord calls.
Prayer: Guardian Angels, companions of our journey, help us to walk lightly, to trust deeply, and to follow Jesus with joy. Protect us from evil, guide us in truth, and lead us at last into the Father’s embrace. Amen.
全属于祢 
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