The Sunday Sermon Archive

Dear Friends in Christ,

Saint Francis of Assisi is the founder of the Franciscan Order. Legends say he was born in a situation similar to Jesus'. He was the son of a merchant and was known for his youthful and joyful extravagance. He yearned to be a valiant soldier; however, he ran into many difficulties in trying to achieve his desires. In one of these setbacks, Divine Providence instructed Saint Francis that, as a true soldier, he should serve not any worldly king or nobleman, but the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Saint Francis came to understand that he needed to renounce all his worldly pursuits to embrace the life of a soldier of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Mother, the Church.

It was in this spirit that he left his father's home and embraced the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He gave away all that he had and put on the habit of the poor. Saint Francis' father could not persuade him to abandon this "foolish" life, so he brought him before the bishop to pass judgment. Before the bishop and his court, Saint Francis stripped off his clothing and gave all that he wore back to his father, renouncing him as his father and espousing God in Heaven as his father. The bishop covered Saint Francis' nakedness with his own cloak.

For many in this world, this would have been the lowest point in their lives, but for Saint Francis, it was the opposite. He truly understood and embraced being a true son of God rather than the son of a worldly father. His heart was set free, filling him with a deep joy and peace that surpasses worldly concerns. He trusted fully in his Heavenly Father Who clothes the fields with beautiful lilies and feeds the birds of the air, experiencing a joy that the world cannot give.

What the world perceived in Saint Francis was foolishness or childishness, and those in the world subjected him to all manners of insults and abuses. He cheerfully endured every insult and assault and considered it an honor to be able to suffer these things for the love of God. It was an honor to suffer these things, as Jesus had suffered them as well. In this, Saint Francis found conformity and unity with Jesus Christ. To be laughed at as Jesus was laughed at was a great honor. To be mocked as Jesus was mocked was a privilege. To be insulted and abused as Jesus was insulted and abused was the height of joy.

In today's Gospel reading (Saint Matthew 11:25-30), Jesus thanks His Father that this true wisdom is hidden from the wise and prudent of this world and is revealed to children. The wisdom and prudence of this world are truly foolishness in the eyes of God. And the foolishness of this world is considered wisdom in the eyes of God.

The world will not understand how young, healthy people can dedicate their lives to God in the evangelical counsels. It is considered foolishness or absurdity that a smart, talented person should turn away from worldly pursuits or endeavors — embracing true poverty. Remember, trusting in God's grace empowers us to stand firm amid societal misunderstandings and ridicule for our faith and commitments.

Those in the world deceive or distract themselves with pleasures thinking that these pleasures are happiness. Pleasure is physical, while happiness or joy is spiritual or supernatural. Many in the world embrace pleasure and even sinful pleasure to the exclusion of true and lasting happiness. Some renounce the ephemeral pleasures of this world but receive in return true and everlasting joy and happiness.

The persecutions that Saint Francis had to endure were, undoubtedly, more than most in the world could bear, but when God calls us, He provides the graces that are necessary to accomplish whatever He is calling us to do. When Jesus calls us to a higher life, it is a time to rejoice, knowing God's grace sustains us. We need not fear, nor should we fear what other people think or say. And when we must endure insult or abuse from friends and family, we should imitate Jesus and all the Saints in Heaven, who have gone this way before us, trusting in God's support and intercession.

It is truly a blessing and a gift to be called to give everything for the love of God. But the greater the sacrifice we make, the greater the reward will be because God will not be outdone in generosity. It is not too hard to make a vow of poverty, because God provides us with all that we need. It is a little harder to embrace a vow of celibacy because the natural inclinations to marry — increase and multiply—are imposed upon every fiber of our being. The world and the devils are constantly promoting through fashions and media every manner of sexual pleasure. However, the greatest vow that we make to God is that of Holy Obedience, where we give ourselves completely to God. When we commit to obedience, it is the sacrifice of our very wills.

Let us call upon Saint Francis of Assisi to inspire and aid all whom God is calling so that they may be able to renounce the temporal pleasures to embrace eternal Happiness.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us.

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