10/03/2026
This Sunday we remember St. Francis of Assisi!
“Where there is love and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility there is neither anger nor vexation.” - Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), Friar and Deacon, Reformer of the Church
Francis of Assisi was deeply troubled by the opulence, power, and pride that defined so much of the church of his day. He founded a monastic order devoted to simplicity and poverty that imitated the life of Jesus. Members of the Franciscan order gave up personal possessions and traveled throughout the world, preaching the good news of the Gospel of Peace. Francis proclaimed hope not only to all people, but also animals. He believed all of creation reflected God’s glory and was made good, but groaned because of human sin and eagerly awaited Christ’s return. Francis was said to preach to animals - proclaiming the good news of the New Creation in Christ. Francis ministered to the sick, the outcasts, and enemies. During the 5th Crusade, he traveled with a small company of unarmed brothers and preached the Gospel to the Egyptian Sultan al-Kamil. Because of Francis’ charity and grace, Islamic rulers gave concessions to the Franciscans. The Franciscans were allowed to serve as the sole representatives of Roman Catholicism in the Holy Land, after the Crusades. Today, members of Franciscan orders can be found around the world, in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions.
O God, your blessed Son became poor for our sake, and chose the Cross over the kingdoms of this world: Deliver us from an inordinate love of worldly things, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Francis of Assisi, may seek you with singleness of heart, behold your glory by faith, and attain to the riches of your everlasting kingdom, where we shall be united with our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Art & bio by Ben Lansing // PREORDER THE BOOK 📚, 2025 WALL CALENDARS and prints available at www.ourchurchspeaks.com //
