The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, Religious, challenge us to acknowledge our spiritual poverty and even in our lament seek openness accepting discipleship in the humility of “Brother Francis”.
In the Reading from Baruch the Prophet Addresses the Diaspora.
* [4:5–5:9] The poet addresses the exiles (vv. 5–9a), and then Zion personified is introduced, speaking to the nations and mourning the loss of her children (vv. 9b–16). She then addresses the exiles (vv. 17–29). Finally (4:30–5:9) the poet issues three calls to Jerusalem (4:30, 36; 5:5): she will see her children returning (4:22, 36–37; 5:5). (Baruch, CHAPTER 4, n.d.)
Psalm 69 is a lament complaining of suffering.
* [Psalm 69] A lament complaining of suffering in language both metaphorical (Ps 69:2–3, 15–16, the waters of chaos) and literal (Ps 69:4, 5, 9, 11–13, exhaustion, alienation from family and community, false accusation). In the second part the psalmist prays with special emphasis that the enemies be punished for all to see (Ps 69:23–29). Despite the pain, the psalmist does not lose hope that all be set right, and promises public praise (Ps 69:30–36). The Psalm, which depicts the suffering of the innocent just person vividly, is cited often by the New Testament especially in the passion accounts, e.g., Ps 69:5 in Jn 15:25; Ps 69:22 in Mk 15:23, 36 and parallels and in Jn 19:29. The Psalm prays not so much for personal vengeance as for public vindication of God’s justice. There was, at this time, no belief in an afterlife where such vindication could take place. Redress had to take place now, in the sight of all. (Psalms, PSALM 69, n.d.)
The Gospel of Luke describes the Return of the Seventy-two and The Privileges of Discipleship.
* [10:18] I have observed Satan fall like lightning: the effect of the mission of the seventy-two is characterized by the Lucan Jesus as a symbolic fall of Satan. As the kingdom of God is gradually being established, evil in all its forms is being defeated; the dominion of Satan over humanity is at an end.
* [10:21] Revealed them to the childlike: a restatement of the theme announced in Lk 8:10: the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to the disciples. See also note on Mt 11:25–27. (Luke, CHAPTER 10, n.d.)
Rev. Andy Alexander, SJ, refers to Franciscan Media’s “Saint of the Day” site, that offers a linked outline of St. Francis’ life and significance.
St. Francis grew in love of and kinship with all of creation. This is more than ecology. It is about love and affection for God’s creation. The text of the encyclical, Laudato Si’, on “Our Common Home,” by Pope Francis, is well worth reading to understand the depth and breath of Catholic teaching on the environment. [An excellent 4 min. video summary of the encyclical.] What graces might be offered me today to grow in harmony with and love for all of Creation?
St. Francis was praying in the dilapidated church of San Damiano, and from the cross, he experienced Jesus say, “Francis, go and rebuild my Church, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.” At first, Francis thought Jesus meant that church building. He came to realize, Jesus was calling him to help with a deeply needed renewal in the whole Church. In what ways might I participate in the renewal of the Church today? What invitations are there from my diocese, my parish bulletin?
Dear Lord, we thank you for the inspiring witness of your servant, St. Francis of Assisi. Please bless our reflection on his example today and give us the grace to respond freely and wholeheartedly to the invitations you inspire in us. Draw us closer to your heart and your ways. We ask this with trust in your love for us all. (Alexander, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes The power of the Kingdom of God, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"He also gave the holy apostles power and might even to raise the dead, cleanse lepers, heal the sick, and by the laying on of hands to call down from heaven the Holy Spirit on anyone they wanted. He gave them power to bind and to loose people's sins. His words are 'I say to you, whatever you will bind on earth, will be bound in heaven (Matthew 18:18). Whatever you will loose on earth, will be loosed in heaven.' These are the things we see ourselves possessing. Blessed are our eyes and the eyes of those of all who love him. We have heard his wonderful teaching. He has given us the knowledge of God the Father, and he has shown him to us in his own nature. The things that were by Moses were only types and symbols. Christ has revealed the truth to us. He has taught us that not by blood and smoke, but rather by spiritual sacrifices, we must honor him who is spiritual, immaterial and above all understanding."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 67) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 10:17-24 invites us to look at St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast is today. When he heard God calling him to “repair my church,” Francis got to work, physically repairing the dilapidated church of St. Damian, stone by stone. It was an act of simple, humble trust in God’s word. He even called himself il Poverello, “the little poor one.” By his preaching and by his humble, childlike example, he inspired thousands of people who also embraced the call to humility and poverty as they preached the gospel from town to town. And wherever they went, people were set free from sin—even demons shuddered at their faith! Within a matter of a few years, the renewal movement that Francis sparked repaired the whole Church.
How can you be childlike in your walk with God today? As you put your confidence in Jesus, you will find that, whatever darkness you may face, he will be with you. You will have all the strength and wisdom you need as you depend on him.
“Jesus, I trust in your ways.” (Meditation on Luke 10:17-24, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler recalls the passage from Baruch yesterday was a lamentation and their exile was their own fault, but today God will have mercy and offers a therapeutic punishment inviting them to turn back with a more profound faith. In moments of trial we often realize God’s goodness. In the Gospel, Jesus calls 72 disciples, the number of elders assisting Moses in the Exodus. Satan is described as falling like lightning and Jesus is rejoicing at the defeat of evil underlining the fact that our names in heaven, or our relationship with God is the important thing. Our gifts give us the responsibility to serve. The child believes without having to prove it. The child recognizes the awe and wonder as we are called to. They have a special gift and we are grateful for faith and the wonderful things that have happened during the day. Friar Jude reminds us to be thankful for miracles great and small in our life.
Fr. Mike Schmitz shares readings that remind us that all good things come from God, and he calls us to specific places and times for a reason. In the book of Esther, Fr. Mike points out that Esther was perfectly positioned to fulfill God's will. We too, can examine our lives and realize that there are places God has brought us, "for such a time as this". The readings are Nehemiah 9, Esther 4 and 14, and Proverbs 21:9-12.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, continues an overview of the life and times of Francis of Assisi, by introducing author Jon Sweeney who engages students in an imaginative practice to help them embody Francis’ example.
“Think now about your feet. Think about your feet as you look out the window at people on the street. Do you see someone in need of kindness? It is often easy to find someone who appears lonely. Do your feet move you in their direction? We often move around so quickly that we fail to notice when someone needs our help. Or, let’s be honest, we don’t much care. We see a need and instead we put our feet up.
“Put your heart in your feet. When was the last time you went looking for the person who needs a friend? Be honest—when was it? Whether in a classroom, at work, or on the street, it has never been easy to do the right thing because it takes a special kind of courage. We will always feel more comfortable not helping, avoiding new and uncomfortable situations. But we need to do more than be comfortable.
“God knows that my feet have not moved toward helping others, plenty. I’m trying today to be more courageous than I was when I was your age. I hope you’ll do better than I did.”…
Then I added, “In all of this, I have to tell you, I am channeling the teachings of the medieval saint I was talking about before. He’s been immortalized in birdbaths everywhere, which is unfortunate. You see, this is how Francis of Assisi imagined his role in the world: in very practical ways, using his hands, his mouth, and his feet.” (Rohr, n.d.)
We are blessed with the example of il Poverello, “the little poor one” as we seek to find a way to activate our Baptismal Anointing, as priest, prophet, and leader.
References
Alexander, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-4-2025
Baruch, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/baruch/4?5
Luke, CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?17
Meditation on Luke 10:17-24. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/04/1400503/
Psalms, PSALM 69. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/69?
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/franciscan-witness-and-practice-weekly-summary/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Your Names Are Written in Heaven. Daily Scripture Net. Retrieved October 4, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=oct4
