Pope at Mass in Bari: “Today let
us choose love"
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| Pope Francis during the celebration of Holy Mass in Bari (Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Bari, reflecting on the
Gospel for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time in his homily, encouraging that
we pray for the grace to love.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
Pope Francis celebrated Mass after meeting with the Bishops
of the Mediterranean region gathered in Bari, Italy. During his homily, the Pope
reflected on the Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48.
Jesus goes beyond
Pope Francis began his homily explaining that Jesus went
beyond the “ancient law: ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ ” which
itself was “a sign of progress, since it prevented excessive retaliation”. By
asking us to say no to violence, Pope Francis said that Jesus went “far beyond
this”.
The Father loves everyone
Jesus’ words do not mean that if we practice non-violence
that “the wicked will desist”, Pope Francis said. Rather, the reason why Jesus
went beyond the ancient law was so because “the Father, our Father, continues
to love everyone, even when his love is not reciprocated”. Jesus practiced what
He preached, the Pope continued. “He did not point a finger at those who
wrongfully condemned him and put him to a cruel death, but opened his arms to
them on the cross”.
Extremists in loving
Jesus’ words are direct and clear and are the “only way” for
those who call themselves Christian, the Pope continued. “ ‘But I say to you:
love your enemies’. His words are deliberate and precise”. Jesus’ love
has no boundaries, barriers, or measure, the Pope said. Yet, “How many times
have we neglected that demand, behaving like everyone else!” The only extremism
that Christians are allowed is the “extremism of charity” which Jesus Himself
asks of us.
Pray to learn how to love
Pope Francis admitted that it is hard to love as Jesus asks
us. Yet, if it were impossible, Jesus would not have given us such a commend.
“By our own effort, it is difficult to achieve; it is a grace and it needs to
be implored”. In addition to asking for God’s help in other things, or for
favours, the Pope suggested that we “pray to learn how to love! We need
to pray more frequently for the grace to live the essence of the Gospel, to be
truly Christian. For ‘in the evening of life, we will be judged on love’
(Saint John of the Cross, Sayings of Light and Love, 57).
Today choose love!
In concluding his homily, Pope Francis himself used direct
and precise language: “Today let us choose love”, he said. “Let us accept the
challenge of Jesus, the challenge of charity. Then we will be true
Christians and our world will be more human”.
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