Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Homily)

September 27, 2015 11:00 am  · Deacon Rick Nevins

Homilies, Ordinary Time

I don't know about you, but I find the timing of today's readings fitting, given the past week has been interesting for anyone who's been following the Holy Father's visit to our country. It seems that no matter what Pope Francis says, he stirs up supporters and detractors alike. Quite often papal watchers and the secular pundits look to spin his words to fit their own ideas of how things should be, without considering the entirety of the message he is putting forth, without having taken the time to listen to what he actually says in the context of his mission.

And make no mistake about it, he is on a mission. As the vicar of Christ chosen by the Holy Spirit to lead the church at this point in time. But also as a humble Christian, and a servant committed to God and his neighbor. His mission is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, the love of the Holy Spirit, and the mercy that awaits those who turn to the loving Father of all. He does this primarily by promoting the inherent dignity in human rights due to every person from conception to natural death. Whether he's meeting with world leaders, engaging in inter-religious or ecumenical dialog, or visiting the sick or imprisoned, he seeking to work for the salvation of souls, the salvation of the world.