Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi

Reflection

“If we do not forgive perfectly, Lord, make us forgive perfectly, so that we may really love our enemies for love of you, and pray fervently to you for them, returning no one evil for evil, anxious only to serve everybody in you.” –St. Francis of Assisi

Prayer

Merciful Lord,

In a culture that perpetuates division and stokes judgment across differences, help us stand out for our promotion of the kind of community you lived and died for. A community in which forgiveness and mercy are the anchors of unity, and where no one falls out of reach of our care and concern. Let the example of St. Francis, whom we recognize today, inspire us as a ministry on mission, that we might better embody humility and kindness, and be eager to put our lives in service to the whole network of life that we share with each other and the rest of creation. In gratitude and hope, we pray. Amen.

Call to Action

Is there a person or a group of people that I know I need to learn to love, forgive, and serve more selflessly? Recommit to disrupting cycles of judgment and living a mission of mercy.