There once was a young man born into a middle class family in Italy. He followed in his father's footsteps, learning the family trade and becoming a member of the family business. He aspired to make something of himself and enjoyed all the perks of the bourgeois. After a while, he began to feel that his life lacked something. Similar to many millennials today, he spent time traveling and reading while trying to find himself. Eventually, he turned to the bible and read this passage from Matthew Chapter 10:

As you go, proclaim the good news, "the kingdom of heaven has come near." Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. (nrsv)

Upon reading this passage, Francis of Assisi gave away all his possessions, including his clothes, to the poor and embarked on a life of poverty and preaching. St. Francis sought to imitate Christ by living among the poor and forgotten. He ministered to the weak and the outcast, the homeless and drug addict, the sick and lost.

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio reminded us of St. Francis's legacy this week when he took the name Pope Francis. The Pope embraces St. Francis's humble lifestyle, eschewing the trappings of rank and privilege to serve others. Both St. Francis and Pope Francis proclaim the good news of life through Christ both in word and deed. They fervently preach God’s forgiveness while demonstrating God’s love and mercy through action. May our reflection on their service move us to live in the image of Christ.

Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, so that I may carry out Your holy and true command. Amen.

Contributed by Jenifer
Monday March 18, 2013
Liturgical Year C: Week 16
Liturgical Color: Purple
Sunday Gospel reading:
Fifth Sunday in Lent