St Francis Day
October 2nd, 2020
This Sunday we celebrate the memory of St Francis of Assisi, who devoted his life to the care of the poor, considering all creatures on earth, animal and human to reflect the created glory of God. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” And there was testimony in the cause for Saint Clare of Assisi’s canonization that referred to her little cat. Every creature is important. The love we give to a pet, and receive from a pet, can draw us more deeply into the larger circle of life, into the wonder of our common relationship to our Creator.
As churches are currently closed for gathered worship, for many households ongoing access to online resources such as this continues to be important, and we are pleased to be able to offer them at this time.
Dean Susanna preaches today, as well as an affirmation from Nikolai Blaskow for his commitment to the Franciscan Way. Bishop Richard presides during the service.
You may like to practice the tradition of ‘spiritual communion’ as you watch and listen to this Eucharist, and especially at the point of distribution of the Sacrament in this video. The following prayer may be helpful: O Lord Jesus Christ, through your tender mercy grant that as the hem of your garment, touched in faith, healed the woman who could not touch your body, so the soul of this your servant may be healed by like faith in you, whom I cannot now sacramentally receive. In union with the faithful at every altar-table in your Church I desire to be united with you, and pray that you will come spiritually into my heart. Let nothing ever separate me from your love, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please feel free to share this resource with anyone you feel may benefit from it. Grace and peace.