HOMILY WEEKDAY 26 04 – Yr II

Discipleship: A Test of Faith – Memorial: St Francis of Assisi

(Job 19:21-27; Ps 27; Lk 10:1-12)

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A priest who was addressing his sermon on Jesus especially to the kids in the congregation, started by describing an imaginary special person who was very kind, good, loved all people and helped everybody, etc. As he spoke, he noticed one excited young boy and asked him what he wanted to say. The boy blurted out, “I know that man – he lives just down the street from me!”

This little story links to our call to discipleship in the gospel, to be that kind of person, that kind of follower of Jesus, like St. Francis of Assisi.

Luke has two missions, first of the apostles and then of the disciples, to show this misson belongs to the whole church. The number 70 refers to Genesis 10:2-31, indicating all the peoples of the earth. The passage conveys a sense of growth and movement. This commission foreshadows the mission of the early Church to the nations, and establishes the pattern for those who are sent out. Two witnesses were required for a testimony to be credible. The disciples are sent ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for him. In that sense they are forerunners, evangelists, who perpetuate the role of John the Baptist.

Today we are being missioned to carry on that work, that same ministry of the apostles and the early disciples, to prepare the way for people to get to know, love and serve Jesus. The New Interpreters Bible presents ten principles for mission Jesus outlined, and on this occasion, I think it fitting to share with all of us:

1. The world needs the Church’s mission (“The harvest is plentiful”).
2. Prayer is important (“Ask the Lord of the harvest”).
3. Each disciple must be an active participant (“Go on your way”).
4. Deal with hostility and resistance in a non-violent manner (“Be like lambs among wolves”).
5. Be single-minded (“Greet no one on the road”).
6. Proclaim the Reign of God (“Pass on peace and say the kingdom is here”).
7. Be open to other’s culture and agenda (“Eat what is set before you”).
8. Be prepared for failure (“When they do not receive you”).
9. Persevere in the mission (“Shake the dust from your feet and move on”).

• Be assured of the mission (“Know this – the kingdom of God has come near.”)

By principles such as these, the Church can be guided in every generation. The context, means and forms of the mission may change continually, but its basis in God’s redemptive love remains constant.

There is implicit in this gospel the reality of consolation and desolation that is part and parcel of a spiritual life, and that of anyone trying to live and spread the gospel. The experience of Job in the first reading, whose faith was strong enough to accept his suffering as redemptive, without bitterness or resentment, and Mother Theresa of Calcutta, whose faith was so strong she was given the experience of the apparent absence of God in her life for over fifty years, stand as inspiring examples for us.

Today the Church honors someone who lived these values and today’s gospel fully. Francesco Bernadone was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1811 or 1812. The son of a wealthy silk merchant, he grew up with all the material comforts and status the wealth and standing of his family could provide. As a young solider and prisoner of war, he survived severe illness and gave up the idea of being a knight. His life changed one day when he met a beggar, with whom he shared his cloak, and followed an impulse to kiss the leper. That led him to try to follow Christ more closely. Believing his call was to serve God and the poor, he chose the way of poverty. He began to pray more, and in 1206, received a message from the Lord that seemed to say, “Rebuild my Church.” He took it literally and started rebuilding an abandoned Church nearby. His father was upset with the course his life had taken and confronted him, pressuring him to follow him in the dry goods business. Then the famous incident took place where Francis made his choice to follow his heart, took off all his clothes, gave it to his father who disinherited him, and walked away naked.

In 1209, he understood his work was to build up the Church by preaching repentance. Francis tried to live as simply as possible, following Lady Poverty. He preached the love of God to anyone who would listen – even the birds seemed to listen to him. His zeal attracted others and thus began the religious order of the Franciscans. In 1210 a rule was approved, with the pope giving Francis and his companions commission to preach. By 1219, they numbered 5,000.

The women who gathered around his example and ideals were led by his close friend and soul mate, St. Clare. An example of the practical piety and faith of Francis is the creation of the very first crèche in 1223 to mark the birth of Christ, which led to the nativity scene we have today.  He used this as an evangelizing tool to spark the imagination of his hearers. That same year, Francis was blessed with the stigmata resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ, a sign of extraordinary holiness and his radical participation in the very life of Jesus.

Such practical knowing of his value and identity allowed Francis to let go of status, privilege, and wealth. Francis knew he was part of God’s plan, connected to creation and other beings, inherently in communion and in love. He taught his followers to own nothing so they would not be owned by their possessions. Francis is also recognized as being the first to teach the earth itself is holy.

A deacon all his life, Francis’ visionary leadership inspired thousands to lead lives of poverty, simplicity and humble service, delighting in creation and consumed with love for Christ. He died a poor, humble and holy death at Assisi on October 3, 1226 and was canonized two years later. He is a popular saint who was loved by all, and to this day is revered as a universal saint and patron of Italy and ecologists. The prayer/hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” is attributed to him.

The Eucharist was food for the journey of the early Church, for St. Francis, and it is our nourishment for the journey today.

May our celebration empower us to go out, live those principles of mission and be bearers of Good News to those entrusted to our care and to all we meet.