October 4 is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Indulged as a child, rebellious as a youth, he joined the military looking for glory, was captured and held for ransom as a prisoner of war.
Then he met Jesus.
Francis began living a life of extreme poverty, penance, and simplicity, dedicating himself to prayer and serving the poor. His genuine love for the marginalized and profound humility soon attracted followers. These men became the first members of what would be known as the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). Francis desired his followers to live simply, just as Jesus did, without accumulating wealth or possessions. They traveled barefoot, wearing simple tunics, preaching the message of God’s love, and offering assistance to those in need.
Interesting, isn’t it, that two such different men, Walter Rauschenbusch and Francis of Assisi would come to the same conclusion about Christianity and the Kingdom of God. I wonder how I missed it.
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This beautiful, simple prayer, attributed to Francis, spells out what it is to be a Christ-follower.
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Inspired by St. Francis, John Michael Talbot joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1978. Here is his version of the Peace Prayer.
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