cropped-reflections-of-caritas-template-revise.jpg

Reflections of Caritas

October 5th – Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by CaritasForChildren on Oct 1, 2014 9:54:00 AM

Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’?” – Matthew 21:42

This Saturday we celebrate the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi. It is said that one night, in the middle of winter, Francis returned to the monastery and knocked on the gate to be let in. The friar keeping the gate did not believe he was actually Brother Francis and refused to let him in. Exhausted and practically frozen, Francis knocked again and pleaded with the friar, only to be shut out once more. Francis called to the friar a third time, begging to be let in, but again he was rejected. At this, he knelt down and praised God.

In the midst of rejection, St. Francis said he had found perfect joy, because he had patiently endured hardship without losing his peace. It’s one of many reasons why the Poverello, as he was known, is an incredible witness of Christian hope.

St. Francis was able to endure so many difficulties throughout his life because his faith was in Jesus Christ, rather than his own strength. He trusted in the Cornerstone that had once been rejected by the builders. He hoped beyond hope that the Crucified One had risen.

Imagine how your life might change if you adopted the same attitude as St. Francis and greeted every cross that came your way as if it were a kiss of peace. This is the radical type of love that Jesus calls us to live. It is simple, but it is not easy. As Pope Benedict XVI said, “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”

So, do not be afraid! With God’s grace you too can achieve great holiness like Francis of Assisi. The key to St. Francis’ holiness, as G.K. Chesterton concluded, was that “his religion was not a thing like a theory, but a thing like a love affair.” He fell madly in love with God, which made it easy for him to love God’s children. Imagine if you sought to see and love God’s face in every person you met, whether he is a small child living in Kenya or the cashier at your local grocery store? How might your love – and your joy – grow?

Our faith is not a set of rules or ideas; it involves placing our trust in a Person. Do like St. Francis and place all your trust in the Stone Who was rejected, and He will fill you with the peace “that surpasses all understanding”. Fall madly in love with God, and you will find it easy to love one another. Embrace His Cross, and He will give you His Crown.


Lord Jesus, the world rejected you, but you have conquered the world. Increase our faith and hope in you. Through the intercession of St. Francis, help us fall ever more madly in love with You, and in turn, your children. In the face of struggle, give us patient hearts and lasting peace. Amen.

Screen_Shot_2015-08-28_at_6.00.35_AM

About this blog

Each Wednesday, Rev. Father Frank Kyazze writes a blog reflecting his experiences with CARITAS & also on the core mission of CARITAS: Jesus' calling to "Love One Another." Fr. Frank is the first Seminarian of CARITAS For Children to be ordained. He is currently assigned to St. Joseph Minor Seminary in Nyenga, Uganda, as Dean of Studies. He is also a member of the Diocese of Lugazi, Uganda and sits on the CARITAS Board of Advisors.frank 3

 

Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts