Their life in brief
Born into a prosperous merchant family, Francis gradually surrendered his ambitions and possessions to follow Christ in poverty. His witness drew companions and gave rise to the Franciscan family.
Francis served lepers, preached peace and repentance, praised God through creation, and desired to resemble the crucified Christ. Near the end of his life, he received the stigmata at La Verna and died in 1226.
“Freely you have received; freely give.”
Matthew 10:8
What Francis of Assisi teaches us
Francis does not invite us to romanticize poverty. He asks whether possessions, status, comfort, or resentment prevent us from receiving everything as gift and recognizing Christ in the poor.
Pause and reflect
01What am I holding too tightly to place freely in God’s hands?
02Can I meet one difficult person today as a brother or sister?
Let us pray
Saint Francis, joyful servant of the poor Christ, teach me to live the Gospel simply and sincerely. Free me from attachment, make me an instrument of peace, and open my eyes to the dignity of every person and the goodness of creation. Help me follow Jesus with humility, courage, and joy. Amen.
Give something away, repair a strained relationship, or serve someone who cannot repay you.