The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi | Wednesday 4 October 2023

Today is Wednesday 4 October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, in the 26th week of Ordinary time.

The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Instrument of Peace’.


Lord, make me an instrument of peace,
an instrument of peace.
Lord, make me an instrument of peace,
an instrument of peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is darkness, let me sow light.
For in the giving, we shall receive,
and in the dying, we're given life.
Lord, make me an instrument of peace,
an instrument of peace.
Lord, make me an instrument of peace,
an instrument of peace.
Where there is sorrow, let me sow hope.
Where there is doubt, let me sow faith.
Where there is injury, your pardon give,
Your consolation to those in pain.
Lord, make me an instrument of peace,
an instrument of peace.
Lord, make me an instrument of peace,
an instrument of peace.
Amen, amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.


Luke 9:57-62

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’

St Francis discovered a love for the poor in the city, and a love of nature in the countryside. Wherever you are at the moment, bring to mind your favourite place. Spend a few moments imagining you are standing there with St Francis, admiring God’s handiwork revealed in all its beauty…

After Jesus spoke to him, St Francis got up, gave up his possessions and followed him. He responded to the invitation we hear in today’s Gospel. Can you hear that invitation in your life at the moment?


As you listen again, ponder the deeper life to which Jesus invites you. What kind of freedom do you need to respond like St Francis?

Now spend a few moments speaking to Jesus about that deeper life to which he invites you. Ask him for whatever it is you need to make a response to that invitation today…

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.