O God by whose gift St Francis was confirmed in poverty.
Grant that by walking in his footsteps.
Through joyful charity.
We may follow your son’s  distant steps.

But we cannot embrace poverty.
Something stands in our way.
I suppose it is property.
That’s why we remain lay.

But the example is there.
We make tiny steps forward.
Nothing is ever very clear.
But we have hopes henceforward.

Be content with what we have achieved.
Happy with what we have received.

….

St Francis’ example
Will always be before us
If we allow it

……

See The Collect of the day