Episode 2562: The Call to Do the Impossible - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode! We’re diving deep into the wisdom of St. Francis of Assisi, whose simple yet profound approach to life has inspired countless Christians. St. Francis once said, “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” This statement reminds us of the transformative power of small, faithful steps taken in the grace of God.
In our fast-paced world, we often want to leap directly to the grand accomplishments or immediate results. Yet St. Francis teaches us that by starting with the humble tasks before us, and offering them to God, we can move from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Today's reflection will explore how this wisdom aligns with the Gospel command to evangelize, to love with charity and humility, and to live as disciples of Christ in a world that desperately needs the Gospel message.
We'll also reflect on how St. Francis calls us to a life of simplicity and service, rooted in love for God and neighbor, and how the words of Christ in the Gospel of Mark challenge us to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth.
Let’s begin by meditating on the words of St. Francis, “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” There’s a deep spiritual truth here our journey toward holiness often begins in the small, ordinary moments of life. It might seem insignificant to perform daily duties with love or to make a small sacrifice for someone in need. But in doing what is necessary with a heart turned toward God, we are preparing the way for greater things.
This echoes the Gospel message itself. Christ commands us in Mark 16:15, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” On the surface, this task seems impossible for us as individuals. How can we, with our limitations, reach the whole world? The answer lies in St. Francis’ insight: we begin by doing what is necessary. We proclaim the Gospel first in our homes, in our workplaces, and within our communities. The ripple effect of our faithfulness can then extend further than we ever imagined, often without us realizing it. Through small acts of love, kindness, and truth, the Gospel can reach the hearts of those around us, even those who seem far from God.
St. Francis also teaches us about the virtues of charity, humility, and penance. He says, “Let us produce worthy fruits of penance. Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility.” These are essential qualities for anyone striving to proclaim the Gospel.

When we live a life of penance repentance for our sins and detachment from worldly pleasures our hearts become more attuned to God’s will. We start to see the world and others through His eyes, which leads us naturally to love our neighbors with genuine charity. Charity, as St. Francis reminds us, is more than just a good feeling; it is a sacrificial love that cleanses our souls and draws us closer to God. And it is this love that endures beyond death, as the fruits of charity carry eternal merit, even when everything else we’ve accumulated in this life fades away.
True charity must be accompanied by humility, which St. Francis calls us to embody. He says, “We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh. Rather, we must be simple, humble, and pure.” This humility doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves, but rather thinking of ourselves less, putting God and others before our own desires. As Catholics, we are called to serve not to dominate or seek power but to be servants to others, just as Christ served us.

In doing so, we live out the Gospel in a tangible way. The task of evangelization isn’t just in preaching or teaching, but in the humble service we render to others, which itself becomes a proclamation of the love of Christ.
Practical Application:
Begin with the Necessary:
Identify small acts of service or sacrifices you can make today whether in your home, workplace, or community. Offer these to God, trusting that these humble beginnings will lead to greater fruit in time.
Embrace Humility and Charity:
Follow St. Francis’ call to humility and charity by seeking opportunities to love your neighbor in simple but meaningful ways. Whether it’s through giving alms, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear, these acts of love draw us closer to God.
Proclaim the Gospel in Your Life:
Look for opportunities to share your faith, both in word and action. Whether it’s inviting someone to Mass, sharing a Gospel reflection, or living out the virtues of patience, kindness, and forgiveness, you can become a witness to the Gospel in your daily life.

Conclusion:
As we conclude, let’s reflect on the incredible promise of Christ’s love and our call to spread the Gospel. St. Francis of Assisi, a model of simplicity, charity, and humility, shows us that it is through small, faithful steps that we begin to do the impossible. We are called not to accomplish great things on our own, but to trust in God, who will accomplish His will through us if we are faithful to what He places before us.
In the words of St. Paul in Romans 8, “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through Him who loved us.” With this assurance of Christ’s love and power, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that nothing can stand in the way of God’s work if we surrender to His will.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the example of St. Francis of Assisi and his teachings on humility, charity, and love. Help us to begin by doing what is necessary, trusting that through Your grace, we can move mountains and do the impossible. Teach us to live humbly, to serve others selflessly, and to proclaim the Gospel in both word and deed.
We ask that, through the intercession of St. Francis and all the saints, we may grow in love for You and for our neighbors, and that we may never tire of doing good in Your name. Guide us, Lord, as we seek to fulfill Your command to spread the Gospel to every creature, and give us the strength to persevere until the end.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you for joining us today. May God bless you and keep you as you go forth to love and serve in His name.