
AM: September 26, 2019

Today is the birthday of St. Francis of Assisi who lived from 1181-1226. St. Francis was a friar, which is someone who devotes their life to God, and lives at the church. St. Francis was known for giving away all his money and things, believing he could be closer to God that way. His goal was “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps”. He was known for loving nature and animals, and he is still known for some very wise sayings such as:
- “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” =means to show your faith through your actions first.
- “Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.” =meaning if people were generous and unselfish, there would be unity and understanding in the world
- “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.” =meaning that we can help the hatred in the world by not doing mean things, by being helpful and kind
- “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” = start small with what needs to be done, take small steps and you’ll eventually succeed with a big goal
The Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon; [forgive when people hurt you]
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is dispair, hope; [dispair means to give up hope]
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console; [to help others feel better]
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; [help others, & we become better people]
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; [forgive & you know forgiveness]
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

PM: September 25, 2019
