Saint Francis of Assisi Stripped Naked | Catholic Daily Readings | October 4, 2025

Catholic Daily Readings and Reflection for Saturday, October 4, 2025 - Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis stood in Assisi's public square and did the unthinkable—stripped off every expensive possession his wealthy father had given him, handed it all back, and declared he would have no father but God. Today's readings from Baruch 4, Psalm 69, and Luke 10 explore why this wasn't mental breakdown but calculated decision to take Jesus literally about serving God versus money.

The seventy-two disciples returned electrified by supernatural success, but Jesus pointed them to something greater than miracles: blessed are the eyes that see what you see—living when God's kingdom broke into reality. Francis understood this blessedness and recognized that if you really believe it, everything changes: your relationship with money, possessions, status, and every comfortable arrangement.

Baruch's oracle speaks to exiles who lost everything providing security—homeland, temple, stability. Francis applied this voluntarily, deliberately abandoning false securities to discover what remains when everything else is gone. The psalm reinforces radical trust: "The Lord listens to the poor." Francis called poverty Lady Poverty because genuine poverty creates dependence on God that wealth makes nearly impossible.

Discover why Francis refused to compartmentalize faith—loving Jesus spiritually while loving money practically, how he proved that whatever you won't surrender to God is actually your god, and what it means that the joy of complete dependence on God is worth more than everything you surrender. This reflection examines why Francis remains uncomfortable thirteen centuries later.

Learn why you can't experience supernatural power while maintaining control over outcomes, how backup plans prevent experiencing God's faithfulness, and what changes when you believe knowing God is worth more than anything you might gain. Perfect for anyone struggling with materialism and security, people examining their relationship with possessions, believers learning about Franciscan spirituality, and those discovering that fear of losing what you have is slavery disguised as security.

📖 Readings
Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29
Psalm 69
Luke 10: 17-24

⏱️ Timeline
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Reading I - Baruch 4:5-12,27-29
01:39 Psalm Response - Psalm 69
05:35 Gospel - Luke 10: 17-24
06:47 Reflection

Perfect for Catholics struggling with materialism and financial security, Christians examining their relationship with possessions and comfort, believers learning about Franciscan spirituality and voluntary poverty, anyone discovering that compartmentalized faith prevents authentic discipleship, people studying radical Christian witness, and those learning that whatever you won't surrender to God actually functions as your god.

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