Monday, October 28, 2019 – Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-19 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
When day came, Jesus called his disciples to himself and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles. Lk 6:13
John Neumann landed in New York, like thousands of other immigrants. While they were looking for a new home, he was looking for the Lord's vineyard in which he could work. He was ordained a priest of the New York Diocese and was to cover the pastoral care of German-speaking refugees. As a bishop, he took care of the spiritual needs of the faithful, but did not forget to care for the practical aspects of their lives. He founded schools, hospitals and orphanages. At the age of 49, he died on the road. There was no other way. He was such a tireless worker in the Lord's vineyard that it would be very difficult to imagine his death in bed or a chair. He embodied a bridge between different worlds: he was the son of a German and a Czech, serving in America to the Americans, Germans, Czechs, Irish and French, indigenous Indians and Blacks. He became an example in two things: having a broad and open heart, as well as a missionary enthusiasm that should be a hallmark for each of us.
What about you? Does the example of your life say that you are missionary? Do your words proclaim the joyous message of Christ? Is your heart open wide like the heart of Christ? Is your heart closed to someone? In your missionary zeal, try to open the door of your heart to that person.
"This is the criterion by which people are divided: bridge builders and wall builders. Who do you want to be?" Pope Francis
The Words of Pope Francis