Everyone was touched in some way by the life and ministry of Saint Pope John Paul II. It was clear that he not only taught the word of God but lived it. Because he had such a passionate love for our Lord, he wanted to share the good news with others, especially those who were suffering and oppressed. During the twenty-six years that he served as Pope, he traveled to 129 countries bringing Christ’s message of hope and peace to the world. He had a deep love for young people, as well. To bring the good news to them, he inaugurated the first World Youth Day which drew over one million youth from all over the world. He challenged them to not be afraid to follow Jesus and to give their life in service to others.
Not only was Saint John Paul II a leader for Catholics, but he was an inspiration for all people who sought justice and peace. He is credited by many historians for bringing an end to communism in Europe. To restore unity to a broken world, he reached out to people of all faiths calling them to live together in harmony as brothers and sisters of the one God.
Toward the end of his life when he could no longer travel or even speak, he continued to witness to the love of God by accepting his physical sufferings with courage and patience. In so doing, he taught the world that there was dignity in every human life no matter how feeble and sick. There was no aspect of his life that was not charged with the love of God.
When it became clear that he was near death, throngs of pilgrims filled Saint Peter’s Square in Rome keeping vigil for the man who was their Holy Father. They came to pray and console one another. At first, the crowd cried out in grief when the news came that the Pope had died. Then joy over the life of the man who had meant so much to them caused them to chant that he be declared a saint.
All over the world, people of all nationalities and faiths professed their affection for this man of holiness. The American evangelist, Billy Graham, called him the outstanding Christian witness of the twentieth century. Most people may not have known or understood what he taught, but with their eyes they could see that he radiated the love of Jesus. And that could not help but draw them to him. His life and ministry embodied the words of Saint Paul in today’s second reading. He not only shared the gospel with the world, he shared his very life. And in so doing, he helped to renew not only the Church but the world.
We have been blessed as Christians by the life and ministry of Saint Pope John Paul II and now by Pope Francis. Not only them, but many other men and women of faith have influenced our lives and brought us closer to Jesus. That is why we are here today, not only because of what they said but because of how they lived. We have seen in them a glimpse of the transforming love of Christ. There is no more powerful witness to the truth of the gospel message than a life that radiates the love of God. That is what touches hearts and transforms minds more than any words no matter how well spoken. This was clear in the life of Saint Pope John Paul II. And it must be clear in our lives if more people are to be transformed by the gospel of peace.
If there is any complaint that Jesus has against the religious leaders of his day, it is that their religion made them rigid and judgmental. Because they lived every letter of the law in detail, they expected others to do the same. For them, religion was a way to show their superiority over others rather than a way to love and serve them. And so, when the Messiah came, instead of embracing Him, they felt threatened by Him. Instead of rejoicing that God had finally come to save His people, they tried to kill Him. Because of their bad example, many people either became as rigid as they were or abandoned faith all together.
Jesus’ words today should make us take a good hard look at ourselves. Is our commitment to Jesus and His Church making us more loving and compassionate? Is it making us more attentive to others and their needs? Is it making us better able to see the face of Jesus in everyone we meet? Or do we take so much pride in our good deeds that we judge those who may not go to Mass as frequently as we do or who may not follow the teachings of the Church as closely as we do?
Few of us will have the opportunity to get up and preach a sermon on the love of God. But all of us must preach the word of God through the way we live. In fact, that is the most moving and eloquent sermon of all. It is a sermon preached with good deeds and acts of kindness rather than with words. It is a sermon preached with a life of joy in serving Jesus and others. And it is a sermon that will touch more hearts than any preacher ever could. If the love of God is evident in everything we do as it was in the life of Jesus and in the life of Saint John Paul II, then people will come to believe in the God we serve.
Saint Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel always and, when necessary, use words.” Religion is not only a matter of following rules and regulations. Rather, it is a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. And it is a life poured out in service to others. Everything we say and do should be inspired by the words of Jesus. Then we will draw others to come and see for themselves the joy and peace that can only be found in God.
No comments:
Post a Comment