Franciscan Media’s “Saint of the Day” site, offers this linked outline of St. Francis’ life and significance.
On this feast of one of the most popular saints in the world, we have the opportunity to reflect on four gifts St. Francis offers for all of us.
Coming from a wealthy family, Francis heard the gospel radically. He let go of his previous life and lived a life of poverty, simplicity and humility, becoming more like our Lord, Jesus. Are there possessions, ways of maintaining status and privilege, which stand in the way of my deeper relationship with Jesus? Where might I be freer? How might I live more simply? How could I better share what I have? What grace is being offered me today?
St. Francis learned from the horrors of war to become a person of compassion, dialogue, reconciliation, and an instrument of peace. He chose to listen to the other and create a culture of mutual respect. How might I become more of a peacemaker in my life? Where and with whom can I work toward reconciliation?
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.
Rev. Andy Alexander, SJ
Co-founder of Creighton’s Online Ministries, Retired 2025
I served at Creighton from 1996 to 2025. I served as Vice-president for Mission for three Presidents, directed the Collaborative Ministry Office and co-founded the Online Ministries website.
I loved seeing the number of faculty and staff who over the years really took up the mission as their own and made Creighton the Jesuit university it is today. I was also consoled to witness the website – a collaborative effort - touch the hearts of so many around the world.
I’m now living at St. Camillus – a Jesuit care facility in Milwaukee. Many of my days are spent dealing with my own health issues, as I carry out the mission we’ve been given, “to pray for the Church and the Society of Jesus.”
