Saint Francis of Assisi

He was lacking nothing at home. His father was a rich merchant. He could enjoy life with his friends, go to war if he wished (it was an era of great wars) and, in the end, wait to inherit a fortune. But something inside Francis did not allow him to do all that. So he went preaching a rather peculiar kind of love: it is better to give than to receive, to forgive than to be forgiven, to understand than to be understood. Some thought he was crazy. But the millions of people who speak to him today asking for the gift of peace in their hearts don’t think it is too crazy.

Your turn:

  • What do you think of Francis of Assisi?
  • He had everything: why not enjoy it?
  • In which small or big ways could you sow peace around you?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you filled the emptiness in Francis’ heart with your peace. Give me the spirit of generosity that moved Francis, to believe it is better to think of others first rather than to keep for myself all the blessings and gifts I have from you. Make me, like Francis, a peacemaker in my family and my neighborhood.