MONDAY is the Feast Day of St Francis. Many will celebrate with blessings of animals and discussions about our ecological responsibilities. St Francis was also known for his help for the poor. He chose to put aside temporal things in order to concentrate on spiritual things and minister to those in need.

How can you imitate St Francis this week? Buying a Big Issue? Donating something to a charity shop (something of value instead of something you were going to throw away anyway?) Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” May you be truly blessed this week!

Provided by the Rev Dwayne Morgan, Metropolitan Community Church