Go Anywhere, Do Anything

Homily for Friday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

There is a quote attributed to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, whom we commemorate today, that says, “I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know him or have forgotten him.” These words exemplify a message found in today’s readings.

The Second Letter of St. John reminds his community of the centrality of Jesus’ love in discipleship. “For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments.” Jesus’ new commandment of love is a commandment that we practice every step of the way, emulating the perfect model of Jesus in his time on earth.

The passage from St. Luke’s Gospel describes the coming days of the Son of Man in words that evoke a sense of urgency in our faith – a faith that must be lived practically. Self-sacrifice is the way in which we can show the love of God to others. It is a willingness to go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know him or have forgotten him.

Our daily Eucharist is a constant reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for our sakes. In order to receive his Body and Blood worthily, we are reminded that we too are called to sacrifice our lives for others.

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator