Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 4 Oct ‘25
Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday
Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
Baruch 4:5–12, 27–29; Luke 10:17–24
Lessons from St. Francis of Assisi
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the joyful poor man of God. The Church’s opening prayer for this day asks: “Grant that we too may share the joy, peace, and freedom of spirit that you gave to Francis.”
Joy, peace, and freedom—these are the gifts we long for today.
In our times, people talk much about minimalist living. We are encouraged to reduce possessions, simplify, and keep only what fits in a smartphone or small space. This is helpful. But Francis teaches us that true joy is not simply about owning less; it is about living with freedom of heart. A house may be empty of things, but if the heart is still restless, there is no peace.
Francis Bernardone, a wealthy young man of Assisi, stripped himself of his fine clothes in the city square to follow Christ poor and free. From him we can learn six life lessons:
(1) We all have a past. Francis lived carelessly until his twenties. He wasted time and money, and later wrote: “I was living in sin.” But once he encountered Christ, he did not remain trapped in guilt. He accepted forgiveness and began anew. His lesson: do not let the weight of the past crush you. Instead, embrace God’s mercy and start again.
(2) God speaks through suffering. Francis bore many trials—loneliness, sickness, misunderstandings, even the stigmata, the wounds of Christ. Yet he discovered God’s face in every pain. Can we, in our moments of disappointment, sadness, or weakness, also say: “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes”?
(3) Step outside your comfort zone. Francis had once despised lepers. But when he embraced them, he discovered Christ. He broke free from fear, prejudice, and his own safety net. His hymn to “Brother Sun and Sister Moon” grew from this freedom. We too must dare to go beyond what feels safe, to love those we once avoided.
(4) Relax—body and soul. Francis loved fasting and penance, but he also knew the importance of balance. Once, when a friar cried out in hunger during a night fast, Francis gave him food, not rebuke. Holiness is not endless strain; it includes gentleness and rest. Our minds and bodies too need moments of refreshment.
(5) Confusion can be a teacher. Francis often felt doubts and confusion. But he did not panic. He waited patiently until light returned. He trusted the Spirit, who makes all things work for good (Rom 8:28). His lesson: confusion is not the end, but part of God’s way of guiding us forward.
(6) Prayer is essential. For Francis, prayer was life. He once said: “Only one thing is necessary.” Prayer kept him close to God’s heart. Just as a pen has value only when used for writing, prayer becomes precious when we realize our need for God. Without prayer, even blessings become a burden.
The Gospel Connection: In today’s Gospel, the seventy-two disciples return rejoicing that demons obey them. Jesus reminds them: “Do not rejoice because the spirits submit to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” True joy is not in success but in belonging to God. This is exactly what Francis lived—joy rooted not in possessions, achievements, or recognition, but in the Lord.
The life of Saint Francis gives us six precious lessons: Do not be trapped by your past; See God in suffering; Step out of your comfort zone; Balance effort with rest; Let confusion teach patience; Stay rooted in prayer.
These lessons help us live with joy, peace, and freedom of spirit. May Saint Francis intercede for us, that we too may live the Gospel in simplicity and love.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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