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Today’s message is uniquely formatted to the yearnings of those who are Laden with Illness, Bed ridden, or otherwise Handicapped. This exclusive phrase comes from your library of past treasures. Back in history when St. Frances of Assisi came upon a leper in duress while riding horseback; he thought to himself, “To me you are more than a brother; you are an ailing member of my own flesh and blood. Your pain is my pain; Your joy my joy.”[1] Right after grabbing hold of the suffering fellow, St. Francis parted ways with the Rich and Famous and took up his Cross, humbled. Thereafter, serving the Underprivileged or Unrepresented members of Creation.

While on retreat this weekend the notion of Unity,Fellowship, and Belonging to One Body in Christ was highlighted; furthermore a unique and perfect contribution by each lay member of His Church; as Bodies and Souls share Communion in unison worldwide, the Church celebrates as One. Think of the beauty arising out of Christ’s Simple and Sustained Last Supper Tradition.

“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture the rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.

Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize; that we belong to Christ as much as they do. I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-8 NLT)

According to today’s biography—St. Frances was born into Wealth; became a prominent Sportsman, Poet, and then a Soldier. Who later landed in a dungeon and was stricken with a life threatening ailment. It was then that St. Frances, Learned the will of God for him was to Listen to those in distress.— [1] Unfortunately many people suffer personal Prisons before realizing or recognizing their own Treasures or that of their Flock who Loves them dearly.

[1] Thomas, Henry, and Dana Lee Thomas. “Francis of Assisi.” Living biographies of religious leaders. Garden City, N.Y.: Garden City Pub. Co., 1942. . Print.