The Gospel Without Reserve

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Most high and loving God, you led St. Francis to follow your Son with an undivided heart. Through his intercession, loosen my grip on whatever keeps me from the Gospel. Make me simple, joyful, and ready to serve the poor, to seek peace, and to praise you with all creation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

As you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.

Francis heard the Gospel's instructions and received them not as a distant ideal but as a word addressed to him. He discovered freedom by taking Christ seriously. Holiness begins when we stop admiring the Gospel from afar and ask what one concrete act of obedience it requires today.

Lord Jesus, let your Gospel reach me as a living call. Show me the next faithful step, and give me courage to take it without excuses. Through St. Francis's intercession, make my life simpler so that I may follow you more freely in joyful service of others. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

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.

St. Francis, brother to the poor and joyful follower of the crucified Christ, carry my intention before the Lord. Teach me to hold created things with gratitude rather than possession, to meet wounded people with tenderness, and to become an instrument of Christ's peace wherever I am sent each day. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.