Memory of the Poor
Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena (+1380); she worked for peace, for the unity of Christians, and for the poor.
Reading of the Word of God
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
This is the Gospel of the poor,
liberation for the imprisoned,
sight for the blind,
freedom for the oppressed.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
John 14,21-26
Whoever holds to my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me; and whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and reveal myself to him.' Judas -- not Judas Iscariot -- said to him, 'Lord, what has happened, that you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?' Jesus replied: Anyone who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him. Anyone who does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not my own: it is the word of the Father who sent me. I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
The Son of Man came to serve,
whoever wants to be great
should become servant of all.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
The Gospel keeps Jesus' very love. Indeed, Gospel love is not the only motive for observing Jesus' commandments; it is the very substance of his commandments. Jesus affirms that love also attracts the heart of the Father who is in heaven and who will manifest himself to whomever loves him. Each believer is called to live this spiritual experience. Jude Thaddeus, one of the Twelve, asks him to reveal himself to everyone. Jesus does not respond directly to his question, but takes the occasion to clarify what it will mean to see him after the resurrection. Love urges people to put the Gospel into practice and the disciples become the home of Jesus and of the Father: "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." Without love the Gospel will be a mute word and people will find themselves alone with themselves, distant from God. Jesus warns his disciples about this risk and promises them the Advocate, whom the Father will infuse in their hearts. The Spirit will accompany the disciples throughout history, teaching them everything and reminding them of Jesus' words-the precious legacy to pass from generation to generation. Through the action of the Spirit who always helps us to understand the Gospel more profoundly, the Lord continues to be present in our life.