THE SAINT WHO STILL DISTURBS THE WORLD | KAIROS GLOBAL | SEPTEMBER 2026

Author: Sijo Thomas

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For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? (Mark 8:36)

Last year, millions watched the story of Abhishek Reddy, a young Indian who walked away from a lucrative corporate career to embrace sustainable farming and a simpler way of life. While social media debated whether he had abandoned success or discovered it, his story raised a timeless question: How much is enough? Eight centuries earlier, another young man from Assisi asked the same question. His answer changed not only his own life but the history of the Church. His name was Francis. 

Born into comfort and privilege, Francis of Assisi walked away from wealth, prestige, and security – not because he despised the world, but because he had discovered a treasure greater than all earthly riches. His encounter with Christ transformed him from the son of a wealthy merchant into one of history's most beloved saints. Today, as the Church celebrates the Jubilee of St Francis, his life continues to speak with astonishing relevance to a generation searching for meaning in an increasingly noisy and distracted world.

St Francis did not merely preach poverty; he embraced radical freedom. By owning little, he discovered that he lacked nothing. By serving the poor, he encountered Christ. By calling the sun, moon, birds, and every creature his brothers and sisters, he taught the world that creation is not a resource for exploitation but a gift to cherish. Long before environmental stewardship became a global concern, Francis was singing the praises of the Creator through creation itself.

Yet Francis was much more than a lover of nature. He was a builder of peace. His courageous meeting with Sultan al-Kamil during the Crusades remains one of the most remarkable examples of dialogue across religious boundaries. At a time when swords spoke louder than words, Francis chose conversation over confrontation, respect over hostility. He reminds us that authentic faith never fears dialogue because it is rooted in truth and love.

It is easy to admire St Francis. His simplicity inspires us. His humility attracts us. His joy captivates us. But following him is another matter. Francis challenges our attachment to comfort, our desire for recognition, and our endless pursuit of more. His life asks uncomfortable questions: Do our possessions possess us? Have our schedules left room for God? Can we truly love the poor while remaining indifferent to their suffering? Can we care for creation without first being grateful to the Creator?

The legacy of Francis lives on through the Franciscan family, through the witness of St Clare, through countless missionaries, and through pilgrims who return from Assisi with hearts renewed. His influence continues to shape the Church through lives marked by simplicity, fraternity, compassion, and joyful discipleship.

As we celebrate this Jubilee of St Francis, may we do more than admire his story, may we imitate his spirit. Let us choose simplicity over excess, generosity over accumulation, dialogue over division, and service over self-interest. Let us care for the poor, protect God's creation, and become instruments of peace wherever we live.

May the prayer of St Francis become the prayer of every Kairos reader: ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.’ For the world does not need more admirers of Francis; it needs more Christians willing to live as he did – completely in love with Christ and completely available for His mission.For what will it profit

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

sijo.thomas@jykairosmedia.org