The message of God’s love

David Amico is the director of the diocesan Office for Discipleship Formation.

Editor’s note: This article begins a series of reflections on the 2026-2027 catechetical theme “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … to bring good news to the poor.” Each contributor will reflect on this theme from their perspective as a disciple and from some aspect of their ministry.

“May the Lord give you peace!”

St. Francis of Assisi, in his final days, recounted that it was the Lord who revealed this greeting to him. Obedient to the Lord’s voice, Francis and his brothers used this greeting whenever, and wherever, they preached the Gospel — whether in word or deed. The Franciscan family still uses this greeting today.

The Gospel message that Francis preached was quite uncomplicated. Jesus Christ came so that you can know that God dearly loves you. All you need to do is open yourself to receiving that love, which, of course means removing any obstacles that might close you off to God’s love. This is not a one-time event, of course. It happens over and over again in one’s lifetime. Francis himself knew this. In fact, when he and his brothers were asked early on, “Who are you?” They replied, “We are penitents from Assisi.” Another way to say this is that we are all called to “ongoing conversion” — to deepening our love relationship with God until we are totally immersed in that love for all eternity. No wonder at the end of his life Francis could say with serenity and joy “Welcome Sister Death!”

Anointed with the Spirit of the Lord, we, too, are called to proclaim the Lord’s peace and to invite others to walk the path of ongoing conversion with us. Now, this does not require getting on a soap box and preaching on the street corner! Nor does it mean haranguing people we deem in need of conversion. Rather, as we encounter others, whether in life or in ministry, we should meet them where they are on the journey. We are to remind them that God loves them. We are to walk with them and then give the Holy Spirit room to do the necessary work!

A true story to illustrate this — with some changes for the sake of privacy. A young dad stopped by the office of the parish faith formation leader one day in spring. His young daughter was asking questions about God and the Catholic faith. She was also hearing stories about how much fun her classmates from school were having at what they called “Bible School,” aka faith formation. Dad had stepped away from the Church due to a very hurtful experience. He was now feeling a bit guilty about neglecting the religious formation of his daughter.

The faith formation leader listened attentively and compassionately. Then she said: “I’m so glad you’re here now! Our sessions are almost over, but please bring your daughter for what remains. And here is the book they have been using in her grade. Perhaps you can go through it over the summer. It will be great for both of you!”

The dad did just that. He enrolled his daughter in the program and showed up faithfully in the fall. Dad felt at ease with the other parents he already knew from school. As it happened, the parish was hosting a mission that fall. Dad attended with other parents. The night for offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation arrived. The Holy Spirit moved the Dad’s heart to celebrate the sacrament. Some of the other parents approached the faith formation leader to ask if she particularly recommended one of the confessors since there were several of them that night. She urged them to have him go to a priest known for his wisdom and gentle nature. Dad went. The weight of the world was lifted from him. He cried and laughed as he embraced the other parents. He joyfully told them, “I’m home.” The Lord had indeed given him peace!

In honor of this year’s 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ passing (Oct. 4, 1226), Pope Leo recently said: “St. Francis of Assisi wrote the word of Christ’s salvation indelibly in the hearts of the people of his time” and his message of peace still speaks to our strife ridden world “not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace.” (“Letter of the Holy Father Leo XIV to the Ministers General of the Conference of the Franciscan Family,” Jan. 7, 2026).

With God’s help, may we write the message of God’s love on the hearts of all we encounter as we point them to Jesus — God’s love and peace incarnate!

David Amico is the director of the diocesan Office for Discipleship Formation.