Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, Religious

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus said to them,
"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst
had been done in Tyre and Sidon,
they would long ago have repented,
sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon
at the judgment than for you.
And as for you, Capernaum, 'Will you be exalted to heaven?
You will go down to the netherworld.'
Whoever listens to you listens to me.
Whoever rejects you rejects me.
And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."

Reflection

Saint Francis is the most well known saint of the Catholic tradition, and the reason is his message. His message was not about judgment and condemnation or about working harder for everything. It was about appreciating beauty, the beauty in nature, the beauty in animals, the beauty in human nature. His message was always that of hope and joy. And he had left the world because he saw that it was corrupting him and he entered into a place of peace with his brothers. Real community.

No wonder he is the model, the model of who we should become.

Closing Prayer

Father, awaken us to the wonder. The beauty that's around us. We can really get tied up in working on fixing things and trying to make things better than they are, but there is something so essential about resting in the moment and drinking of all the beauty that God has created for us. It keeps us balanced. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross