From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Jan/Feb/Mar 2026)

St. Francis de Sales

2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 + Psalm 80:2-3, 5-7 + Mark 3:20-21

A Different Path

When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:21

Were the relatives of Jesus concerned? Embarrassed? Maybe both? This short scene doesn’t say. But certainly many disciples have imitated Jesus in having family members who thought they were our of their mind!

St. Francis de Sales was much like his patron saint, St. France of Assisi, who was known by many as “God’s fool” for trading riches for poverty. Both men were born into privilege, and both had fathers who couldn’t understand their convictions. St. Francis de Sales turned away from the prestigious plans that his father had for him. Though he could have excelled in law or politics, he dedicated himself to sharing the Gospel, even when it put him at grave risk. A beloved priest and later a humble bishop, he was best known for the sincerity and simplicity with which he introduced others to the love of God.

Have you done something for the Lord that made others scratch their heads? Ask St. Franci de Sales to inspire you beyond your comfort zone to act with courage and charity.

□ Steve Pable