Sep 19th, 2021, Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Light threatens the existence of darkness. Jesus removes the eyes of His disciples from a worldly megalomania and turns them toward the humble lowliness of a child. We are called to welcome the One whom the Father sent and allow Him to cast light into our darkness, pulling us out from the turmoil of the world and plunging us into His Perfect and Unshakable Peace. (Wis 2:12,17-20; Ps 54; Jas 3:16-4:3; Mk 9:30-37)

Sep 17th, 2021. As Jesus journeys from one town to another, He conquers and draws many hearts, which once were inhabited by unclean spirits, but now are filled with a new spiritual activity: Love. We are invited to join this “journey”, this “procession” Heavenwards, together with the One who replenishes our whole life with His Eternity. (1 Timothy 6:2c-12; Lk 8:1-3)

Sep 16th, 2021. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because your are young!” In your youth, live up to the gifts you received! Even if you feel fragmented, insufficient, sinful, throw yourself at Jesus’ feet. His eyes pierce through our conscience, His love touches and revitalizes our hearts. Our many sins are forgiven. (1 Timothy 4:12-16, Lk 7:36-50)

Sep 15th, 2021, Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. A heart that loves is always a wounded heart, able to surprise the world with a kind of hope that this world doesn’t possess. In the middle of the “catastrophe” of the Cross, the Virgin Mary realizes that Love had reached its perfection. On the Cross, in the frailty of death, is manifested the Extreme Love that is the Life of the world. “Behold your pierced Mother” and let her lead you on the path of Hope and Love. (Jn 19:25-27 ; Lk 2:33-35)

Sep 14th, 2021, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. On the Cross, the “humanized” God “divinizes” our humanity. It is there where our human flesh loves in a divine way. (Numbers 21:4b-9; Ps 78; Philippians 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17)

September 13th, 2021, Memorial of St. John Chrysostom, the “Golden-mouthed”, Bishop of Constantinople, Father of the Church. St Paul urges the Christian community to “pray for everyone”, with “supplications, petitions and thanksgivings”. In the Gospel, the Centurion, with a breathtaking faith, opens himself to the power of Christ and God works faithfully. “In Him my heart trusts, and I find help.” (Timothy 2:1-8; Ps 28; Lk 7:1-10)

Faith allows us to see the world as God sees it, to love others as God loves them and to face all situations with God’s strength, and then, we become able to suffer! Actually, we start to live off another principle of life. As disciples of Christ, we take up our Cross with Jesus and follow Him! God is essential! As St Teresa of Avila says: “God alone suffices!”

Homily

Homily of August 14

Celebrated at San Damiano Mission