Optional Memorial of Saint John Paul II, Pope
(Ephesians 3:14-21; Luke 12:49-53)
St. John Paul II would often tell the crowds that came out
to see him that he loved them. Although
it may seem odd for a conservative Polish churchman to say, why should anyone
doubt John Paul’s sincerity? He labored as
leader of the Church for over twenty-six years until he died at almost eighty-five
years. He wrote prolifically, initiated
numerous programs, and visited most nations on earth. Like Jesus in today’s gospel, he longed that
the fire of love spread throughout the world.
Jesus has set his sights on Jerusalem, the great religious
center. There he will allow himself to
be sacrificed for the redemption of all.
Love compels him onward despite the enormous personal suffering it will
cost. He hopes that his love, set ablaze
by his cross and resurrection, will spread throughout the world.
And it has. After twenty
centuries Christianity continues to grow and give witness to Christ’s
love. Some of testimony to Christ’s love
has been documented as in the life of John Paull II. More often, however, Christ’s love is witnessed
in daily acts of generosity and kindness that people like us make.
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