“I have done what was mine to do, may the Lord teach you yours.”

Next weekend, we will celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Francis of Assisi at all of our weekend Masses with special Bible Readings, Prayers, and Songs.  I hope you are praying the Novena that began on Friday, September 25!  

This year marks the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus - the death- of our Patron Saint.  It is a Jubilee Year for us and for all Franciscan churches around the world.  The Jubilee Prayer, composed by Pope Leo, is at the main entrance to our Church and to Assisi Hall.  

Near the end of his life Francis wrote, “I have done what was mine to do, may the Lord teach you yours.”  May we courageously follow our great Patron Saint!

As Christian stewards, we have a high and holy standard — living as Christ’s disciples every day and with every person the Lord places in our path. But we can move towards this goal in “baby steps” like Francis did.

Jesus demonstrates this comforting truth through the parable He tells in today’s Gospel.  The first son’s honest, less-than-perfect response is consoling. Haven’t we all felt this way at times when God’s will for us seems to be just too hard? We can be honest with God at these times. He knows our thoughts already, after all. But when we stay engaged in a real relationship with Him, even if it’s just to say, “I don’t think I can, Lord,” He will supply us with just the grace we need to change our minds and do what He is asking us to do. 

We might even take a step backward from time to time, but our Father is merciful and kind. What matters is that we keep baby-stepping along, assured of the grace we need to live more closely the way of Jesus. This is the beauty of our stewardship way of life.  Saint Francis of Assisi, Pray for us!

Fr. Mark Zacker

Pastor