Daily Reflection: Saturday, September 17
Saturday, The Solemnity of the Stigmata of our St. Francis
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit himself? (Lk 9:25)
Nominally, today’s celebration is about the wounds of the Crucified that were imprinted on St. Francis’s body while he was alive. This medieval saint remains wildly popular today, not because of flesh wounds, but because he was the real deal. Rather than seeking to gain the whole world or even a small part to call his own, Francis forfeited it all and even himself to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. The Stigmata were a special grace for him, but it is his total living the gospel that really made Francis an image of Jesus.
Do we have the courage to be such a follower?
John Frambes, ofm
Read also:
This week’s Letter from the Pastor
This week’s weekly reflection
