Reflection Date: March 13, 2026 | Friday of the Third Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Hosea 14:2-10; Mark 12:28-34
Children of God:
Good News! The relics of Saint Francis of Assisi were opened to the public for extended veneration for the first time in 800 years.
I will say that again: The relics of Saint Francis of Assisi were opened to the public for extended veneration for the first time in 800 years.
Wow.
Pilgrims traveled from different parts of the world to see the saint whose life changed Christianity.
For centuries, his tomb remained sealed and rarely accessible.
The reason for this long interval was both protection and reverence.
In medieval times, relics were often hidden or secured to prevent theft and damage.
Over time, the Church also limited public exposure to preserve the integrity of the remains.
The opening was carefully planned, supervised by Church authorities and experts.
It was not done for spectacle but for spiritual renewal. People lined up not just to see bones but to remember a life of radical love and simplicity.
I will say it again: The relics of Saint Francis of Assisi were opened to the public for extended veneration for the first time in 800 years.
In the gospel of Mark, a scribe had approached Jesus and asked which commandment was the first of all.
Jesus had answered by proclaiming the Shema: to love the Lord with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength.
He had added a second: to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
The scribe had agreed, saying that loving God and neighbor was worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Jesus had then told him that he was not far from the Kingdom of God.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, Love over law, heart over habit.
Jesus had not dismissed the law; he had fulfilled it by revealing its heart.
The commandments were not merely regulations but invitations to relationship.
The scribe had understood that love was greater than sacrifices.
Today we examine whether our faith is routine or relationship.
We attend Mass, pray novenas, and perform devotions, but do we love deeply? We are invited to let love guide our habits so that our actions reflect genuine devotion.
Second, total love is holy love.
Jesus had said to love God with all the heart, all the soul, all the mind, and all the strength.
The word “all” was repeated to emphasize totality.
Saint Francis of Assisi embodied this total love.
He did not love God halfway, or fifty-fifty. He embraced poverty, served lepers, and rebuilt churches because his love was complete.
Now we reflect on the quality of our love.
Do we give God our leftovers or our fullness? Do we love our neighbor only when convenient? Does our love extend to forgiveness, generosity, and patience even when it costs us something?
Children of God:
The relics of Saint Francis remind us that a life of love leaves a lasting legacy.
Imagine, 800 years already passed, yet people still seek inspiration from his witness.
Lent is a season to purify our intentions and deepen our devotion.
May our faith be remembered not for strictness but for compassion.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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