From The Deacon’s Desk for October 2, 2022
As October 4th is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, I thought I would use this column to share a little bit about this great saint. I hope you enjoy it.
One of the pursuits we should never give up on is the pursuit of holiness. As most of you know, Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is October 4th, never gave up on his pursuit of holiness. Thomas of Celano in his first biography of St. Francis said, “Francis of Assisi was always occupied with Jesus: Jesus he bore in his heart, mouth, eyes, ears, and in his entire body: Jesus.”
Did you know that Francis was at one time quite the playboy? He was known to carouse around Assisi waking up residents and partying until the wee hours of the morning. Does this sound a little more human to you? There was a time in Francis’ life when he was just a regular person, growing up in Assisi, learning to be a cloth merchant from his father, and doing all the things teenage boys and young adults do. In the midst of all his worldly attractions, God tugged at his soul. Little by little Francis began to live the quote from Thomas of Celano.
It wasn’t easy for Francis and it’s not easy for us either. One thing is for sure. God is tugging at each one of our souls, asking, encouraging and inviting us to become holier every day. If the rabblerousing Francis can answer God’s call, I’m sure you can too. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are or if you are male or female. God wants you as his friend, and he wants to be a part of you. Francis answered the call of Jesus. When he did, Jesus and he became one. All you have to do is answer the call God places before you and do your best to be holy just like Francis.
Peace and All Good,
Deacon Jim SFO