One of the world’s favorite liturgical songs has two names which are the “Prayer of Saint Francis” or “Make me a channel of your peace.” The song is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi and whose feast day we celebrate. Saint Francis was known for taming the wildest of animals with his serene life style. Many parishes and farm communities throughout the world hold the ceremonial blessing of God’s creatures.
If you have ever attended such a blessing you know that it can be quite chaotic but always a blessing for the attendees. Cats, dogs, rabbits and birds are all brought for the annual celebration of peace. Saint Francis message for today is one of peace. Not the cessation of hostilities or struggles of the world but God’s peace which is the realization that no matter what happens. God is in charge. This involves a total commitment and dependence on God. This is not easy for humans Our nature wants us to be in control of everything.
God wants something else from us.
This month is Breast Cancer month where we recognize the struggle for those afflicted by this terrible disease which has affected my family in particular.
How would Saint Francis approach this struggle or any struggle that life brings ? We all have them.
In our Gospel today from Luke 10 Jesus says ,”Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
No matter the struggle each of us have in life today. God is in charge. Saint Francis found this message in prayer and meditation. He made the commitment to dependence on God. The result was God’s peace in his life.
That peace is waiting for you. Listen to Jesus’s words and Saint Francis message.
Praise God!
I am especially thankful and at peace knowing that our fourth great grandchild was born on October 1st. Mother and child doing well.
God Bless you always
Bob Burford
