Gospel for October 5 2025 – Luke 17:5-10
Gospel Reflections for October 5 2025
St. Francis and St. Bruno
On Saturday we celebrated St. Francis of Assisi, by far the most popular saint of all. People of all religions, and even no religion, admire this remarkable saint who lived 800 years ago in Italy.
Today’s Gospel affirms how faith as small as a mustard seed still can have great power. Such was the story of Francis, who built a towering legacy of love, peace, courage, and compassion. It is amazing what one person can do!
He left a wealthy family to live among the poor. He preached by example rather than eloquent speeches. He attracted thousands of followers and founded the Franciscan order of priests and nuns who continue his work of peace, compassion, and courageous service to this day.
On Monday we remember St. Bruno, the patron saint of our parish, who died in the year 1101.
Bruno was a brilliant scholar and spent many years as the head of a university in France. Several of his students went on to become pope!
After many years teaching, he was asked to become a Bishop, but politely declined, and instead chose a life of quiet contemplation.
He founded a religious order of contemplative men and women called the Carthusians a name taken from the valley in France where they lived.
Contemplation is not a word you hear too often …so what is it?
It happens when you sit quietly by yourself, choose a topic to think about, and focus on it for some time. While that may sound simple, it actually rarely happens today.
Often when people have a free moment they quickly check social media, watch TV, or read a newspaper. All of those activities are fine and provide good information. However, they all provide other people’s ideas and thoughts.
Your thoughts are no longer guided by yourself, but directed to click on this, or swipe on that, or watch this program.
Bruno wanted to empower his followers with the mental skills to direct their own thoughts in the way and manner that they chose, and not be distracted by other sources. He was amazingly successful, and many young people joined the contemplative Carthusians.
Bruno and Francis each made a lasting impact, just as small seeds have the power to grow into the largest of trees. It is amazing what one person can do!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
More great teaching Father!
If we all used our own brains first, it would bring this country back!
Yes, indeed!
Saints are such interesting. People to study and learn from. Their lives and example shows a fervor and example that amazes me. The days we celebrate them brings them into our lives once more so we can admire and learn from them. I used to have my favorites but now recognize all of them and what I have to learn from their example.
I Pray the Lord makes me more like them in my daily life. In contributing to those in need around me. Amen
Love these precious Saints!! We have to be more like them in prayer and action!! We have to make this world beautiful in Jesus and Mary’s Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
happy parish feast day tomorrow Father Dave. Thank you for persevering in reflections each week for all of us. Today I am offering a rosary for you and your intentions as your parish feast day is of particular significance in these troubled times, asking St. Bruno to intercede for us in prayers to soothe the ‘ruffled edges’ which threaten to tear us apart, politically and religiously, in our understanding, or misunderstanding, of unity
Blessing always, Madeleine Sorensen
HAPPY SAINT BRUNO FEAST DAY
Dear Father Dave,
Thank you your inspiring reflection.
The faith of a mustard seed can move mountains….
God bless!
Kathleen