Editor’s Note: This was a homily from last October 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. As the life of St. Francis has lessons we can all learn from, we are including this here today.

In the music industry, there is what is called “Fandom”. They are passionate and devoted fans who are deeply engaged with their favorite artists, groups, or bands. They attend concerts, buy merchandise, boost streaming momentum, and participate in fan communities. In other words, they will follow their favorite artists anywhere they are and all that they do.

In talking about following, 21 centuries ago, many people wanted to follow Jesus. Perhaps because he was popular and powerful, he could do miracles and teachings and he brought joy and hope to so many people. Hence Jesus reminds us of three things in following him:

1. “Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” In other words, in following Jesus, expect the unexpected. No two days are the same. There will be pleasant experiences and there will be difficult experiences. 
   
2. “Let the dead bury their dead.” In other words, God first. In our everyday life, there will be many options and alternatives. Yet, the discernment is that it must be God first. This is not going to be easy and there will be a lot of sacrifices. 
   
3. “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.” In other words, one must give his or her 100 percent. Remember, we are fighting an unseen war and it is not easy. Nevertheless, if we are faithful, we will see that God is always faithful. 

In this Mass, we remember St. Francis of Assisi. He was a son of an affluent merchant who gave up everything to follow Christ. He took care of the poor and the underprivileged and he cared for nature and the animals. In the eyes of the world, that is illogical. Yet, here is the mystery and beauty of following Christ: First, no two days are the same; second, when you put God first, he will always provide; third, you will always see his faithfulness.

In closing, let me share with you a quote from St. Francis about following Christ:

“Start by doing the necessary, then do what’s possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible”