Psalm Reflection: The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles - Cycle C

“The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.” - Psalms 34

Before his conversion, St. Francis of Assisi had a deep fear and revulsion toward lepers, who were considered outcasts and untouchables in society. However, after his time of spiritual awakening and conversion, he felt called by God to embrace them in humility and experienced love in its purest form.

One day, while riding his horse, St. Francis came across a leper on the road. Overcoming his initial disgust, he dismounted, approached the man, and embraced him, even kissing his diseased hand. This act of love and mercy was a turning point for St. Francis. He later described it as the moment when “what was bitter became sweet.” Through this encounter, St. Francis experienced God’s grace in a profound way, realizing that true love requires seeing Christ in those who are most marginalized and broken.

This moment not only changed Francis but also became a cornerstone of his ministry. He went on to dedicate his life to serving the poor, the sick, and the outcasts, living in radical poverty and humility. His embrace of the leper symbolizes the call to love as Christ loves—without fear, prejudice, or hesitation.

God often uses the people we least expect to teach us about His love. The leper, someone Francis would have avoided at all costs, became a vessel of God’s grace, helping Francis grow in holiness and compassion. When we step out of our comfort zones and love those who seem unlovable, we encounter Christ Himself.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40

God can love and minister to us through the most unlikely people and situations. His providence is not limited to our own understanding or our limited circumstances. He is constantly trying to send people into our lives to reveal His love to us more deeply, but we need the eyes to see and recognize what is happening so we can receive it with joy.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - Hebrews 13:2

Strangers may be angels in disguise. God can work through any means to bless us. If he can work through a burning bush (Exodus 3) and a talking donkey (Numbers 22), He can and will find a way to speak to your heart and breathe into your life. 

The challenge for us is to be ready to hear His voice through the unexpected places and people He leads to us, and then for us to respond with love, openness, and compassion, so that the mercy of God can be more profoundly known.

Who are the “lepers” in your life—those you might avoid or struggle to love? How might God be calling you to embrace them with compassion?

In what ways can you step out of your comfort zone to serve the marginalized and broken in your community?

How can you have the eyes to see Christ in the people and situations you least expect?

I am praying for you, please pray for me and my family, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, June 29th, 2025, The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles - Cycle C: Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9.