Saint Francis of Assisi
Saturday of week 26 in Ordinary Time
First reading Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29
St. Francis of Assisi lived with a heart always turned toward God, echoing the call of Baruch to trust that even in exile or trial, God’s mercy will not abandon His people. Francis disposed his whole being to God, not just in prayer but in every action of his life, his simplicity, his care for creation, his love for the poor, and his joy in the Gospel were fruits of a heart anchored in divine presence. The reading reminds us that when we wander, the Lord still calls us back with tenderness, inviting us to return with all our heart. Like Francis, we are invited to cultivate a disposition that is not distracted by possessions, worries, or pride, but remains free and open to God’s voice. A heart that rests in God becomes light, peaceful, and capable of radiating love to others. Let’s reflect: Am I willing, like St. Francis, to keep my heart always disposed toward God—trusting His mercy, letting go of distractions, and allowing His love to shape every choice I make?
Don Giorgio