The Weeds of Sin

Posted on 13. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.” – Matthew 13:24-25

Every gardener in Austria knows this battle. You can prepare the soil, plant good seed, water faithfully, and still, weeds come. You didn’t plant them. You didn’t want them. But there they are.

Jesus said the human heart is the same way. This is our sermon today.

### 1. Sin is sown secretly

Notice when the enemy comes—”while everyone was sleeping.”

Sin rarely starts with a dramatic rebellion. It starts in the quiet, inattentive moments. A small compromise when no one is watching. A resentment you entertain at night. A second look that becomes a habit.

The enemy does not need your permission, only your inattention. The good Sower, Christ, sows openly and generously. The enemy sows secretly.

Ask yourself: What is growing in my field that I did not intentionally plant? What thought patterns and attitudes took root while I was spiritually asleep?

### 2. Sin looks like the real thing

In this parable, the weed is almost certainly darnel, or *Lolium temulentum*. In its early growth, it looks identical to wheat. Even farmers cannot tell them apart until the ear appears.

This is what makes the weeds of sin so dangerous. They mimic virtues.

Bitterness masquerades as discernment: “I’m just being honest.”
Pride masquerades as confidence: “God wants me to be strong.”
Greed masquerades as stewardship: “I’m just being wise with money.”
Lust masquerades as love.
Gossip masquerades as concern: “We should pray for them…”

We cannot always trust our own diagnosis. We need the maturity of harvest time, and the light of Scripture to show what is truly wheat and what is truly weed.

### 3. Sin spreads if you let it

One weed doesn’t stay one weed. It seeds. It chokes.

Jesus told another parable about weeds in Matthew 13:22 – the seed that fell among thorns. “The worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

That is the strategy of weeds. They don’t have to kill the wheat outright. They just have to crowd it, shade it, steal its water and nutrients until it is alive but unfruitful.

A little unchecked anger becomes a critical spirit that poisons your whole family.
A little unchecked greed makes you so anxious you can no longer be generous.
A little unchecked impurity makes you numb to worship.

Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.

### So what do we do with the weeds?

The servants in the parable say, “Do you want us to go and pull them up?” It’s our instinct. Rip it out. Fix it by sheer willpower.

But the Master says something surprising: “No, because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.”

Two truths here:

**First, we are not the final weed-pullers.** God is. There will be a harvest, a day of clear separation. The Lord knows how to deal with evil without destroying his people. Your job is not to live in constant, anxious introspection, pulling at every imperfect shoot. Your job is to keep growing toward the sun.

**Second, we fight weeds by feeding wheat.** You don’t beat weeds by staring at weeds. You beat them by strengthening the crop.

How?

1. **Stay awake.** The enemy works while men sleep. Wakefulness is prayer, Scripture, community. Stay in the light where weeds cannot be sown in secret.
2. **Stay rooted.** Weeds thrive in shallow, neglected soil. Deep roots in Christ’s grace leave less room for sin to dominate.
3. **Invite the gardener’s hands.** Every day, pray Psalm 139:23-24—”Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me.” Let Him do the careful weeding that you cannot do without harming yourself.

In the end, this parable is not about how strong the weeds are. It is about how certain the harvest is.

The field is still the master’s. The wheat is still His. And at harvest time, not one grain of wheat will be lost as a weed, and not one weed will be mistaken for wheat.

The question today is not, “Are there weeds in my life?” There are in all of us. The question is, “What am I cultivating?”

Let us pray for wheat to grow.

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St.Callistus I Pope and Martyr

Posted on 13. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

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St. Callistus I, Pope and Martyr

Posted on 13. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

Today, the Church commemorates St. Callistus I, Pope and Martyr, a remarkable shepherd of the early Church who reminds us of one of the most beautiful truths of our Christian faith: God’s mercy is greater than our sins, and no human weakness is too profound to be transformed by His grace.

The life of St. Callistus teaches us three important lessons: the transforming power of God’s grace, the necessity of mercy toward sinners, and the courage to remain faithful to Christ even in the face of suffering and death.

1. God Can Transform Every Human Life

St. Callistus lived at the beginning of the third century, during a period when Christians often faced persecution and discrimination in the Roman Empire.

According to ancient accounts, Callistus began his life in very difficult circumstances. He was a slave in Rome and became involved in financial troubles that eventually led to his punishment and exile to the mines of Sardinia.

His early life included humiliation, suffering, and uncertainty. Yet God had not abandoned him.

After regaining his freedom, Callistus gradually became an important servant of the Church. Pope Zephyrinus entrusted him with significant responsibilities, including the administration of the Christian cemetery on the Appian Way, which later became known as the Catacombs of St. Callistus.

Eventually, in the year 217, Callistus was elected Bishop of Rome, becoming the successor of St. Peter.

What an extraordinary transformation! A man who had once been a slave and prisoner became the shepherd of the Church of Rome.

Dear brothers and sisters, this story reminds us that God does not judge a person merely by his past but sees what that person can become through His grace.

People often remember others’ mistakes. We sometimes define people by their failures and refuse to believe they can change.

But God acts differently.

God sees the possibility of conversion, holiness, and spiritual renewal in every human heart.

Consider St. Peter, who denied Jesus three times. Yet Christ entrusted him with the leadership of His Church.

Consider St. Paul, who persecuted Christians. Yet God transformed him into one of the greatest apostles.

The life of St. Callistus teaches us that our past does not have to determine our future.

No matter how many mistakes we have made, God always invites us to begin again.

2. The Church Must Be a Place of Mercy

One of the most important aspects of the pontificate of St. Callistus was his attitude toward Christians who had committed serious sins.

In the early Church, there were intense discussions about whether Christians guilty of grave sins could receive forgiveness and be reconciled with the Church.

Some Christians believed that certain sins were so serious that those who committed them should never again be admitted to full communion with the Church.

St. Callistus defended a more merciful approach.

He maintained that even Christians who had fallen into grave sin could receive forgiveness and reconciliation after sincere repentance and appropriate penance.

This position provoked strong opposition from some of his contemporaries.

Yet Callistus understood something essential about the Gospel: Jesus Christ came not to condemn repentant sinners but to save them.

Jesus Himself declared:

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated extraordinary mercy toward sinners.

He forgave the sinful woman who approached Him with tears.

He welcomed Zacchaeus, the tax collector, into His friendship.

He promised paradise to the repentant thief who was crucified beside Him.

And He told the beautiful parable of the prodigal son, whose father welcomed him home despite his unfaithfulness.

The message of Jesus is clear: God never closes the door of His mercy to a sinner who sincerely repents.

St. Callistus wanted the Church to reflect Christ’s merciful heart.

He understood that the Church is a community of sinners. Rather, it is a community of sinners who are called to conversion and holiness.

This does not mean sin is unimportant or that we can ignore God’s commandments.

On the contrary, true mercy always calls us to repentance and a change of life.

God’s mercy does not approve of sin. It liberates us from sin.

Dear brothers and sisters, this lesson matters especially for us today.

Occasionally we are quick to condemn others. We notice their weaknesses, criticize their mistakes, and forget our need for forgiveness.

But Jesus teaches us:

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Before judging another person, we should remember how often God has forgiven us.

Before refusing forgiveness to someone who has hurt us, we should remember the mercy we ourselves have received.

A Christian who has experienced God’s forgiveness should become an instrument of that forgiveness for others.

3. Mercy and Truth Must Always Remain Together

St. Callistus also reminds us that Christian mercy cannot be separated from truth.

Sometimes people imagine mercy as ignoring evil, tolerating every behavior, or pretending sin doesn’t exist.

But such behavior is not the mercy of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus encountered the woman caught in adultery, He refused to condemn her to death. Yet He also told her:

“Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” (John 8:11)

These words express the perfect harmony between mercy and truth.

Jesus forgives the sinner, but He also calls the sinner to a new life.

The same principle guided St. Callistus in his pastoral ministry.

He defended the possibility of reconciliation for those who had committed serious sins, but he did not deny the necessity of repentance.

His example teaches us that the Church must always be both a guardian of divine truth and a witness to divine mercy.

Truth without mercy can become harshness.

Mercy without truth can become an empty sentiment that leaves people unchanged.

But when truth and mercy are united, they lead the human person toward genuine conversion and salvation.

As Christians, we are called to imitate this attitude in our families, parishes, and communities.

We must remain faithful to God’s commandments while showing compassion toward those who struggle to live according to them.

We must condemn sin without despising the sinner.

And above all, we must never forget that we ourselves are constantly dependent on God’s mercy.

4. Fidelity to Christ in the Midst of Suffering

St. Callistus served as Pope from approximately 217 to 222.

His pontificate took place during a difficult period in the history of the Church, when Christian communities faced internal disagreements and the possibility of persecution.

According to ancient tradition, Callistus died a violent death and was subsequently venerated as a martyr, although the precise circumstances of his death remain historically uncertain.

His memory reminds us that fidelity to Christ sometimes demands sacrifice.

It is easy to profess our faith when everything is going well.

It is much harder to remain faithful when we face opposition, misunderstanding, rejection, or suffering.

Yet Jesus never promised His disciples a life without difficulties.

He said:

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

St. Callistus reminds us that authentic Christian faith requires perseverance.

We may never be called to shed our blood for Christ, but we are called to bear witness to Him in our daily lives.

Sometimes this means defending our faith when others ridicule it.

Sometimes it means forgiving someone who has deeply wounded us.

Sometimes it means remaining faithful to God’s commandments even when doing so requires personal sacrifice.

And sometimes it means accepting suffering with patience and trust in God’s providence.

Holiness does not consist merely in beautiful words about God. It consists in remaining faithful to Him through the concrete circumstances of life.

5. What Can We Learn from St. Callistus Today?

The life of St. Callistus invites us to examine our own relationship with God and with our neighbors.

First, we should never despair because of our sins or failures.

Perhaps someone among us carries the burden of past mistakes. Perhaps someone believes that he has disappointed God too many times to be forgiven.

The example of St. Callistus reminds us that God’s grace can transform even the most difficult human circumstances.

As long as we sincerely turn toward God, He will always welcome us with His mercy.

Second, we should be more merciful toward others.

It is easy to speak about God’s forgiveness. It is much harder to forgive those who have offended us.

Yet every time we pray the Our Father, we say:

“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

These words remind us that we cannot sincerely ask God for mercy while deliberately refusing to show mercy to others.

Third, we should rediscover the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

One of the greatest gifts Christ has given His Church is the possibility of receiving forgiveness through this sacrament.

In confession, we encounter not merely a human priest but the merciful Christ, who forgives our sins and restores our friendship with God.

How tragic it would be if we neglected this extraordinary gift!

St. Callistus defended the possibility of reconciliation for repentant sinners. His example should encourage us to approach the sacrament of confession with confidence, humility, and gratitude.

Conclusion: The Triumph of Divine Mercy

The life of St. Callistus I teaches us that God’s mercy is not a sign of weakness but a manifestation of His infinite love.

God is powerful enough to transform a slave into a Pope, a sinner into a saint, and a broken human life into an instrument of His grace.

The Church honors St. Callistus not because his life was free from difficulties, but because he became a witness to the transforming power of God’s grace and to the mercy of Jesus Christ.

Today, let us ask ourselves:

Do I truly believe that God can forgive my sins?

Am I willing to forgive those who have sinned against me?

Do I help others discover God’s mercy, or do I discourage them through my harsh judgments?

And am I prepared to remain faithful to Christ even when following Him becomes difficult?

May the example and intercession of St. Callistus help us become Christians who unite truth with charity, justice with mercy, and firm faith with compassionate hearts.

Let us conclude with a prayer:

O God, who raised St. Callistus I to the office of shepherd of Your Church and strengthened him in his witness to Christ, grant that we may never lose confidence in Your infinite mercy. Help us to repent sincerely of our sins, forgive those who offend us, and remain faithful to Your truth. May we always remember that Your love is greater than our weakness and that Your grace can transform every human heart. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Pfarisee invited Jesus to lunch… Lk 11,37-41

Posted on 12. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

A Pharisee invited Jesus to lunch. He went and sat down at the table… So today’s Gospel presents Jesus meeting a Pharisee. For us, the word “Pharisee” has a certain derogatory undertone. But who were and are the Pharisees really? The Pharisees formed a kind of religious elite of Israel; they were the most zealous and pious people in the Jewish environment of Jesus’ time. We must not imagine them as scum. They lived their piety as best they could. Many important people were among them.

In this sense, we can define a Pharisee as a person who tries to lead a spiritual life purely from his own strength. He lives piously according to himself, according to his own possibilities. He does not count on the power that Jesus brings. Because he looks at everything through himself, he is self-satisfied and does not accept criticism from God or man.

The Lord Jesus says in the Gospel of John: “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sinned. But now they have no excuse for their sin” (John 15:22-24). Their sin was their disbelief in Jesus and their rejection of him, even in hatred. The invitation to dinner was also an invitation to a conversation and a debate. The Pharisee invited Jesus as someone who was dependent on his “good deed”—kindness from above. He did not accept him as his Lord; instead, he judged and criticized him. “The Pharisee was surprised when he saw that he had not first washed before dinner.”

There are many ways to be surprised. Surprise can result in a question and it is possible to start a dialogue. Probably, his surprise was more contempt and condemnation, as we can judge from the Lord Jesus’ reaction. It didn’t matter at all to the Pharisees whether Jesus had clean hands. For him, it was important to keep the rule at all costs, not the meaning of the law, but to carry out the ceremony and observe the ritual. The reaction of the Lord Jesus to this “good deed” may seem unduly strict to us. Instead of the poor and perhaps hungry Jesus silently enjoying his food from his grace, Jesus calls him “a fool who cleanses time from the outside.”

Never do God a favor; he wants love from you. The one who stands before you in poverty is your Christ, and you are only returning to him what you owe. True good deeds are the fruit of a person’s inner transformation. St. Paul says, “Bring forth the fruits of good deeds!” And in another place: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for excellent works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10). God is so good that he has even prepared good works for us to do.

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Divine Providence

Posted on 11. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

One of the most comforting truths of our Christian faith is the belief in Divine Providence. It assures us that our lives are not governed by blind chance, meaningless accidents, or an impersonal destiny. Behind the events of human history and the circumstances of our personal lives stands a loving God who knows us, cares for us, and guides us toward our eternal salvation.

However, believing in Divine Providence is not always a simple matter. When everything goes according to our wishes, we readily acknowledge God’s goodness. But when suffering, disappointment, illness, or unexpected difficulties enter our lives, we begin to ask: Where is God? Why does He allow these things to happen? Has He forgotten me?

It is in such moments that our faith in Divine Providence is tested.

1. What Is Divine Providence?

Divine Providence means that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, sustains and guides His creation toward its ultimate purpose.

God did not simply create the world and then abandon it to its own fate. He continues to care for everything He has created.

Jesus expresses this truth beautifully in the Gospel:

“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

Consider these words carefully.

If God cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, how much more does He care for human beings, whom He created in His own image and likeness?

Every person is precious in God’s eyes. He knows our needs, our struggles, our hopes, and our fears. Nothing in our lives escapes His knowledge.

Jesus tells us that even the hairs of our heads are counted (Matthew 10:30). This remarkable statement reveals how personally and intimately God cares for each of us.

We may sometimes feel forgotten by other people, but God never forgets us.

His Providence accompanies us from the first moment of our existence until the last moment of our earthly journey.

2. God’s Plans Are Often Different from Our Plans

One of the greatest difficulties in accepting Divine Providence is that God’s plans frequently differ from our own.

We make plans for our future. We hope for success, good health, security, and happiness. We expect life to develop according to our expectations.

But sometimes everything turns out differently.

A person loses a job. A family experiences tragedy. Someone becomes seriously ill. A cherished dream remains unfulfilled.

In such circumstances, we may be tempted to believe that God has abandoned us.

Yet Scripture reminds us:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

God sees what we cannot see.

We see only a small part of our lives, while God sees the whole picture. We judge events according to their immediate consequences, while God knows their ultimate significance.

A beautiful example is the biblical story of Joseph, Jacob’s son.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. From a human perspective, his life seemed to be a series of injustices and misfortunes.

Yet God was working even through these painful circumstances.

Eventually, Joseph became an important ruler in Egypt and was able to save many people from famine, including the very brothers who had betrayed him.

When Joseph met his brothers again, he told them:

“Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

What a profound lesson!

God did not approve of the evil committed against Joseph. Nevertheless, He brought good out of that evil.

This is one of the greatest mysteries of Divine Providence: God can bring good even out of circumstances that appear hopeless.

3. Divine Providence Does Not Mean a Life Without Suffering

Sometimes Christians mistakenly believe that trusting God completely will protect them from every misfortune.

But Jesus never promised His disciples a life without suffering.

On the contrary, he said:

“In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)

Faith in Divine Providence does not mean that suffering will disappear from our lives. It means that suffering does not have the final word.

The supreme example is the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

On Good Friday, everything appeared to be lost. Jesus was condemned, humiliated, crucified, and buried.

His disciples were overwhelmed by sorrow and disappointment. They could not understand why God had allowed such a tragedy.

Yet what appeared to be the greatest defeat became the greatest victory in human history.

Through Christ’s death and resurrection, God accomplished the salvation of the world.

The Cross teaches us that God’s love can be present even when His plans remain hidden from our understanding.

When we suffer, we should not immediately conclude that God has abandoned us.

Occasionally He removes our difficulties. Sometimes He gives us the strength to endure them. Sometimes He opens a new path we never imagined.

But His love remains faithful.

As Saint Paul assures us:

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God.” (Romans 8:28)

This does not mean that everything that happens is good. Evil remains evil, and suffering remains painful. Rather, it means that God’s saving power is greater than the evil we encounter.

4. Trusting Divine Providence Requires Humility

Human beings naturally desire security and control.

We want to know what tomorrow will bring. We want to be certain that our plans will succeed. We want guarantees that nothing unpleasant will happen.

But life does not offer such guarantees.

Jesus therefore tells us:

“Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” (Matthew 6:34)

These words do not encourage irresponsibility or laziness.

God expects us to work, plan, make wise decisions, and fulfill our duties.

However, He also asks us to recognize that we are not masters of our destiny.

We must learn to distinguish between what depends on us and what belongs to God’s wisdom.

We are responsible for our actions, but we cannot control every result.

True trust in Divine Providence means doing everything we reasonably can while entrusting the outcome to God.

There is a beautiful Christian prayer that expresses this attitude:

“Lord, I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but I know that it is in Your hands.”

Such trust requires humility.

It means admitting that God’s wisdom is greater than our understanding and that His love is more reliable than our calculations.

The person who trusts Divine Providence does not become passive. On the contrary, such a person gains the courage to act without being enslaved by fear.

5. Divine Providence in the Small Events of Everyday Life

We often associate Divine Providence with extraordinary events, miracles, or dramatic interventions.

But God’s care is also present in ordinary life.

Occasionally it appears through the kindness of another person, an unexpected opportunity, a timely word of encouragement, or the strength to overcome a difficult situation.

A person who has lost hope may receive encouragement from a friend.

Someone who is struggling with loneliness may discover a new community.

A person who has experienced failure may find a different path that eventually leads to greater fulfillment.

We should not automatically interpret every coincidence as a direct message from God. Nevertheless, faith invites us to recognize that our heavenly Father can work through ordinary people and circumstances.

God’s Providence frequently operates quietly, without spectacular signs.

We may not recognize His guidance immediately. Sometimes only after many years do we begin to understand how certain experiences contributed to our spiritual growth.

There is a beautiful image that can help us understand this mystery.

Imagine a person looking at the back of an embroidered tapestry. From that side, the threads appear confused, tangled, and without any clear pattern.

But when you turn the tapestry around, a beautiful picture appears.

Our earthly life often resembles the back of that tapestry.

We see disconnected events, disappointments, and unanswered questions.

God, however, sees the complete picture.

Only in eternity will we fully understand the mysterious ways through which His Providence guided us toward salvation.

6. Divine Providence and Human Freedom

We must remember another important truth.

Divine Providence does not destroy human freedom.

God guides the world, but He does not treat human beings like puppets.

He has given us intelligence, conscience, and free will. He invites us to cooperate with His grace.

Every day we make decisions that influence our lives and the lives of others.

We can choose between good and evil, generosity and selfishness, forgiveness and hatred.

God’s Providence does not excuse our irresponsibility.

We cannot neglect our duties and then expect God to solve every problem for us.

A farmer must cultivate his fields if he expects a harvest. A student must study if he wishes to acquire knowledge. A Christian must practice charity if he wishes to grow in holiness.

Trust in Providence must therefore be accompanied by personal responsibility.

We cooperate with God by fulfilling our duties faithfully, helping those in need, and remaining attentive to His commandments.

Divine Providence invites us to act. It invites us to work faithfully while trusting God completely.

7. The Blessed Virgin Mary: A Model of Trust in Providence

One of the most beautiful examples of trust in Divine Providence is the Blessed Virgin Mary.

When the angel Gabriel announced that she would become the Mother of the Savior, Mary did not understand everything that awaited her.

She could not foresee the difficulties she would encounter: the journey to Bethlehem, the flight into Egypt, the hostility toward Jesus, and finally His suffering and death on Calvary.

Yet she responded:

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

These words express complete trust in God’s Providence.

Mary did not demand to know every detail of her future.

She simply entrusted herself to God’s will.

And even at the foot of the Cross, when the sword of sorrow pierced her heart, she remained faithful.

Mary teaches us that genuine faith does not require us to understand everything.

It requires us to trust the One who understands everything.

Her example invites us to say in our own difficulties:

“Lord, I do not understand why this is happening, but I believe that You love me. Help me to remain faithful to You.”

8. How Can We Grow in Trust in Divine Providence?

Dear brothers and sisters,

Trust in Divine Providence is not something we acquire once and for all. It must grow throughout our lives.

We develop this trust through prayer, reflection on Scripture, participation in the sacraments, and remembrance of God’s faithfulness in the past.

When we face uncertainty, we should ask ourselves: Haven’t I already experienced God’s help many times? He has sustained me through difficulties that once seemed impossible to overcome, hasn’t He?

Remembering God’s past goodness strengthens our confidence in His future care.

Above all, we should entrust our lives to Him each day.

A simple morning prayer can express this surrender:

“Lord, I entrust this day to You. Guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions. Help me to accept what I cannot change, to fulfill what You ask of me, and to trust that Your love will never abandon me.”

The more we pray this way, the more deeply we experience the peace of faith.

This peace does not depend on favorable circumstances.

It comes from knowing that our lives belong to a loving Father.

Conclusion: Our Future Is in God’s Hands

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The doctrine of Divine Providence gives us a powerful reason for hope.

We do not know what tomorrow will bring.

We do not know how long our earthly journey will last, what difficulties we may encounter, or what unexpected changes await us.

But we know something infinitely more important:

We know who holds our future in His hands.

Our heavenly Father knows us, loves us, and desires our eternal happiness.

His Providence does not guarantee that all our earthly wishes will be fulfilled. But it assures us that He will never cease calling us toward the fullness of life in His Kingdom.

Therefore, when life is peaceful, let us thank God.

When life becomes difficult, let us trust Him.

When our prayers seem unanswered, let us remain faithful.

And when the future appears uncertain, let us remember the words of Jesus:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” (John 14:1)

May we learn to place our entire lives into the hands of Divine Providence.

And may our daily prayer become:

“Lord, I trust in Your wisdom when I cannot understand Your plans. I trust in Your love when I cannot see Your presence. I trust in Your Providence because I know that You will never abandon me. Lead me along the path of Your will until I reach my eternal home with You.”

Amen.

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St.Maximilian of Pongau

Posted on 11. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today we commemorate St. Maximilian of Pongau, a courageous bishop and martyr who dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His life reminds us that genuine Christian faith is not merely a matter of religious words or outward practices. It is a living relationship with God, a relationship that demands courage, fidelity, sacrifice, and love.

Although St. Maximilian lived many centuries ago, his example remains remarkably relevant to our lives today. Our circumstances differ from his, but the fundamental challenges of Christian discipleship remain the same: How can we remain faithful to Christ? How can we bear witness to the Gospel? And how much are we prepared to sacrifice for our faith?

  1. St. Maximilian—A Life Dedicated to Christ. According to Christian tradition, St. Maximilian lived during the third century, when Christianity was still spreading throughout the Roman Empire. He is traditionally associated with the region of Noricum, which included parts of present-day Austria.

Tradition describes him as a bishop and missionary who proclaimed the Christian faith with remarkable zeal. He is particularly associated with the region of Pongau and the town of Bischofshofen.

At a time when Christians could face persecution because of their religious convictions, Maximilian courageously proclaimed Jesus Christ as the only true Lord and Savior.

According to the traditional account, he suffered martyrdom because he refused to abandon his Christian faith. Some details of his life are historically uncertain, but the Church continues to honor him as a witness to Christ.

His example teaches us an important truth: Faith becomes truly powerful when we are prepared to remain faithful to God even in difficult circumstances.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel:

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

St. Maximilian understood these words not merely as a beautiful religious teaching but as a personal invitation that shaped his entire life.

  1. Christian Faith Requires Courage Dear brothers and sisters,

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the martyrs is their courage.

They were ordinary human beings who experienced fear, suffering, and uncertainty. Yet their love for Christ was stronger than their fear.

Where did they find such extraordinary strength?

Their courage came from their trust in God. They believed that earthly life, however precious, is not the ultimate goal of human existence. Our final destination is eternal communion with God.

Jesus assures us:

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Matthew 10:28)

These words gave countless martyrs the strength to remain faithful even when their lives were threatened.

Today, most of us do not face the possibility of martyrdom. Nevertheless, our faith is frequently tested.

Occasionally we are afraid to express our Christian convictions because we fear criticism or rejection. Occasionally we stay silent when our conscience tells us to defend truth and justice. Occasionally we compromise our Christian principles because following Christ seems too demanding.

St. Maximilian reminds us that a Christian must never be ashamed of belonging to Jesus Christ.

Our faith should not disappear when we leave the church. It should accompany us into our families, workplaces, communities, and everyday relationships.

  1. The Greatest Witness Is a Life of Love We often associate martyrdom with suffering and death. However, the deepest meaning of Christian martyrdom is love.

The martyrs did not sacrifice their lives because they despised the world. They sacrificed their lives because they loved Christ above everything else.

Jesus says:

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

This love is the heart of Christian discipleship.

Not everyone is called to become a martyr by shedding blood. But every Christian is called to give his or her life to God through daily acts of love.

Parents who patiently care for their children bear witness to Christ.

Those who look after elderly or sick relatives bear witness to Christ.

People who forgive those who have offended them bear witness to Christ.

Those who remain honest when dishonesty would bring them personal advantages bear witness to Christ.

Every act of genuine Christian love is a small victory of God’s grace over human selfishness.

We might say that there is a martyrdom of blood, but there is also a daily martyrdom of love, patience, forgiveness, and fidelity.

St. Maximilian challenges us to ask ourselves: Do other people recognize something of Christ in the way we live?

  1. Remaining Faithful in a Changing World St. Maximilian lived in a society where Christianity was not yet widely accepted. His mission required him to proclaim a message that many people considered strange or unacceptable.

Our modern world is completely unique, but Christianity still encounters misunderstanding, indifference, and opposition.

Many people today live as though God did not exist. Material success, comfort, pleasure, and personal recognition often become more important than spiritual values.

In such circumstances, Christians are called to become witnesses of a different way of life.

We are called to demonstrate that human happiness cannot be reduced to wealth, entertainment, or social success.

True happiness comes from knowing that we are loved by God and from responding to that love.

St. Maximilian reminds us that the Church does not grow primarily through human power or social influence. It grows through the witness of people whose lives have been transformed by the Gospel.

A Christian who lives with genuine faith, humility, kindness, and hope can sometimes accomplish more than many beautiful speeches.

Our task is not simply to speak about Christ. Our task is to make Christ visible through our lives.

  1. The Cross Is Not the End There is another important lesson we can learn from St. Maximilian.

The martyr’s death may appear to be a defeat from a purely human perspective. His enemies may believe that by taking his life they have silenced his message.

But Christianity teaches us that death does not have the final word.

Jesus Christ conquered sin and death through His resurrection. Therefore, those who remain united with Him share in the promise of eternal life.

Jesus tells Martha:

“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)

This promise gave the martyrs extraordinary hope.

They knew that their earthly suffering was temporary, while God’s love and eternal life would endure forever.

The same hope should strengthen us when we encounter difficulties, illness, disappointment, or the loss of loved ones.

Christian hope does not mean that we will never suffer. It means that suffering and death cannot separate us from the love of God when we remain united with Christ.

St. Maximilian invites us to look beyond the difficulties of the present moment and remember our eternal destiny.

  1. What Can We Learn from St. Maximilian Today? Dear brothers and sisters,

As we honor St. Maximilian, we should not regard him merely as a historical figure belonging to a distant past.

His life presents us with three important questions.

First, how strong is our faith? Is our relationship with God something central to our lives, or do we remember Him only when we need His help?

Second, are we courageous witnesses of Christ? Are we willing to defend Christian values even when doing so is inconvenient or unpopular?

Third, does our faith produce genuine love? Are we becoming more patient, merciful, forgiving, and generous toward others?

These questions help us understand that holiness is not reserved for extraordinary people.

Holiness begins whenever an ordinary person responds faithfully to God’s grace.

We may never be called to perform heroic deeds like the great martyrs. But we are all called to heroic fidelity in the ordinary circumstances of our lives.

A small act of kindness, a sincere prayer, a difficult act of forgiveness, or a courageous decision to follow our conscience can become a genuine expression of holiness.

Conclusion Dear brothers and sisters,

The life and martyrdom of St. Maximilian of Pongau remind us that Christian faith is a precious gift that deserves our wholehearted commitment.

He remained faithful to Christ even when that fidelity demanded the greatest sacrifice.

His example encourages us to remain hopeful despite the difficulties of Christian life, to be proud of our faith, and always to remember that our final destination is eternal life with God.

Today, as we celebrate his memory, let us ask God for three special graces: the courage to profess our faith, the strength to remain faithful during trials, and the love to make Christ present in our daily lives.

May St. Maximilian intercede for us, for our families, and especially for the Christian communities of Austria, where his memory has been preserved for so many centuries.

And may our lives become a living testimony to the truth that Jesus Christ is worth following, worth loving, and worth every sacrifice.

St. Maximilian of Pongau, pray for us!

Amen.

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Do I know the Father’s will, and do I desire to fulfill it?

Posted on 9. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

St. Augustine said somewhere that Mary believed in Jesus more than she was his mother. This statement captures the spirit of Jesus’ words: Blessed are those who hear and keep the word of God, like the physical womb and breasts of the Mother of God, which received and nourished the Son of God. We can safely say that the Virgin Mary was also the most blessed of the blessed, because she listened to Jesus’ words most consistently and deeply and “kept them in her heart” and then practically acted on them. The same is true of Jesus’ “family”: those who fulfill the will of his Father in heaven are more his “mother.” And the Virgin Mary trumps everyone again…

Tip for today: I will choose a saying of Jesus and carry it all day long in the “bosom of my heart.” I will repeat it often and think about it all day long. This is how I will resemble the mother of Jesus today.

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The Foolishness of a Sinner

Posted on 8. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

One of the greatest tragedies of human life is that man, who has been created in the image and likeness of God, can become so spiritually blind that he turns away from the very One who is the source of his happiness, peace, and eternal salvation.

God created us out of love. He gave us intelligence to recognize the truth, a conscience to distinguish good from evil, and free will to choose what is right. Yet despite these wonderful gifts, human beings frequently choose sin rather than virtue, darkness rather than light, and temporary pleasures rather than eternal happiness.

This is what we may call the foolishness of a sinner.

The Bible often speaks about the foolishness of those who reject God’s commandments. In Psalm 14 we read: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

These words do not refer merely to someone who intellectually denies the existence of God. They also describe a person who lives as though God did not exist, even while professing to believe in Him.

A person may attend church, know the commandments, and even speak about religion, yet in everyday life behave as though God had no authority over his decisions.

Such a person may believe in God with his lips but deny Him through his actions.

1. The sinner exchanges eternal happiness for temporary pleasure

Dear brothers and sisters,

The first great foolishness of sin consists in exchanging something infinitely valuable for something that has little and temporary worth.

Every sin promises some kind of satisfaction. Pride promises superiority. Greed promises security. Lust promises pleasure. Anger promises revenge. Envy promises satisfaction at another person’s misfortune.

But what do these sins actually give us?

They may provide a moment of pleasure or satisfaction, but they cannot give lasting peace to the human heart.

Jesus asks a profound question in the Gospel:

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Imagine a person who possesses enormous wealth, enjoys public admiration, and has everything that the world considers desirable. Yet if that person loses his relationship with God and ultimately loses eternal life, what has he truly gained?

He has exchanged eternity for a moment.

This is the tragedy of sin. A sinner often behaves like someone who sells a priceless treasure for a handful of coins.

Consider Judas Iscariot. He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. At the moment of betrayal, money seemed more important to him than fidelity to his Master. But afterward, when he realized the terrible consequences of his actions, the silver no longer brought him any happiness.

What a tragic exchange! He abandoned the greatest treasure, Jesus Christ, for something that could never satisfy his heart.

And are we not sometimes tempted to make similar exchanges?

Whenever we knowingly choose serious sin, we risk sacrificing our friendship with God for something that will soon disappear.

2. The sinner deceives himself

The second foolishness of a sinner is that he frequently deceives himself.

A person who lives in sin often tries to justify his behavior. He may say:

“Everybody does it.”

“It is not such a serious matter.”

“God is merciful; He will forgive me anyway.”

“I will change my life when I am older.”

These arguments may silence the voice of conscience for a while, but they cannot change the moral truth.

Saint Paul warns us:

“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.” (Galatians 6:7)

We cannot sow selfishness and expect to harvest love. We cannot sow hatred and expect to harvest peace. We cannot continually reject God’s commandments and expect our spiritual life to flourish.

One of the most dangerous forms of spiritual foolishness is the belief that we can continue sinning without consequences.

Sin gradually changes the human heart. What once disturbed our conscience may eventually become something we accept without hesitation.

A person who repeatedly ignores his conscience risks losing his sensitivity to the difference between good and evil.

This is why Jesus calls us to conversion today, not tomorrow.

The sinner who continually postpones repentance forgets that tomorrow is not guaranteed.

3. The sinner mistakes freedom for slavery

Another great foolishness of sin is the mistaken belief that freedom means doing whatever we desire.

Modern society often tells us that true freedom consists in following our feelings, satisfying our desires, and refusing restrictions.

But Jesus teaches something entirely different:

“Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34)

These words reveal a profound truth.

A person may believe that he is completely free because he does whatever he wants. Yet if he cannot control his anger, resist temptation, overcome greed, or abandon destructive habits, is he truly free?

True freedom does not consist in the absence of moral boundaries. It consists in the ability to choose what is morally good

A person who can forgive an enemy is freer than someone who remains imprisoned by hatred.

A person who can resist temptation is freer than someone who is controlled by his passions.

A person who obeys God’s commandments out of love is freer than someone who follows every passing desire.

Sin promises freedom but often produces slavery. Christ, on the other hand, calls us to obedience and gives us genuine freedom.

4. The sinner forgets that earthly life is temporary

Dear brothers and sisters,

Perhaps the greatest foolishness of a sinner is living as though earthly life would never end.

Jesus illustrates this danger in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21).

A wealthy man had an abundant harvest. Instead of focusing on God, gratitude, or helping those in need, he decided to build larger barns to store his possessions.

He said to himself:

“Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”

But God said to him:

“You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you.”

What was the rich man’s mistake?

His foolishness did not consist simply in possessing wealth or planning for the future. His mistake was believing that material possessions could guarantee his happiness and security.

He had carefully prepared for his earthly future but had neglected his eternal destiny.

He knew how to accumulate wealth, but he had forgotten how to become rich before God.

How many people today make the same mistake!

They carefully plan their careers, investments, holidays, and retirement. Yet they devote little attention to the most important question of all:

Am I prepared to meet God?

We prepare for journeys, celebrations, and important meetings. But how seriously do we prepare for the moment when we will stand before our Creator?

Every day brings us closer to eternity.

A wise Christian remembers this truth, not with despair, but with hope and responsibility.

5. God’s mercy is greater than the foolishness of sin

Until now, we have considered the tragic consequences of sin. But the Christian message does not end with condemnation.

The Gospel is above all a message of hope.

God does not abandon sinners. He continually calls them to repentance and offers them the possibility of beginning again.

Jesus Himself declared:

“I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

One of the most beautiful illustrations of this truth is the parable of the prodigal son.

The younger son foolishly demanded his inheritance, left his father’s house, and wasted his possessions in a life of reckless living.

At first, he probably believed that he had finally discovered freedom and happiness.

But his apparent freedom eventually led him into poverty, loneliness, and humiliation.

Then something extraordinary happened.

The Gospel tells us that he came to himself.

This is the beginning of genuine conversion.

He recognized his foolishness. He understood that the life he had chosen was destroying him. He remembered the goodness of his father and decided to return home.

And what happened when he returned?

His father did not humiliate him or reject him. Instead, he ran to meet him, embraced him, and welcomed him with love.

This father represents God, who waits patiently for the return of every sinner.

What a wonderful consolation!

No matter how far a person has wandered from God, the road of repentance remains open while earthly life continues.

No sin is greater than God’s mercy when we sincerely repent and seek His forgiveness.

The tragedy is not that a sinner has fallen. The greater tragedy is that he refuses to rise again.

6. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord

Dear brothers and sisters,

If sin is foolishness, what then is true wisdom?

The Bible gives us a clear answer:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)

The fear of the Lord does not mean living in constant terror of God. It means recognizing His holiness, respecting His commandments, and loving Him so deeply that we do not wish to offend Him.

A wise person understands that God’s commandments are not obstacles to happiness. They are the path toward genuine happiness.

God forbids evil not because He wants to deprive us of joy, but because He knows that evil destroys us.

Just as loving parents warn their children against danger, our heavenly Father warns us against sin because He desires our salvation.

The saints understood this truth.

They had experienced temptation or weakness. They were people who learned to place God above everything else.

They recognized that holiness is not a loss but the greatest possible gain.

Saint Augustine, who spent many years searching for happiness in worldly pleasures, eventually discovered the truth and expressed it in his famous prayer:

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

This is the wisdom that every sinner must discover.

Our hearts were created for God. Nothing less than God can completely satisfy them.

Conclusion: Do not exchange eternity for a moment.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The foolishness of a sinner consists in choosing what is temporary over what is eternal, what is harmful over what is good, and what separates us from God over what brings us closer to Him.

But the wonderful news is that we do not have to remain in this foolishness.

Christ invites us to return to Him.

Through sincere repentance, prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to His commandments, we can recover the spiritual wisdom that sin has obscured.

Let us therefore examine our lives.

Are there sins that we continue to justify?

Are there harmful habits that we refuse to abandon?

Are we postponing our conversion, imagining that we will always have another opportunity?

Let us remember that the greatest wisdom is not to possess all the world’s knowledge, but to know God, love Him, serve Him, and finally live with Him forever.

At the end of our earthly journey, God will not ask how much wealth we accumulated, how much admiration we received, or how many pleasures we enjoyed.

What will ultimately matter is whether we responded to His love and lived according to His will.

The foolish sinner lives as though this world were everything. The wise Christian lives in this world with his heart directed toward eternity.

May the Lord grant us the grace to recognize the emptiness of sin, the courage to reject temptation, and the wisdom to choose Him above everything else.

And may we never forget the words of Jesus:

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Amen.

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St. John Leonardi Priest, founder of the order

Posted on 8. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, the Church invites us to reflect on St. John Leonardi (1541–1609), a holy priest who dedicated his life to serving God, renewing the Church, and saving souls.

His life reminds us of an important truth: The Church is renewed not primarily through human power, wealth, or influence, but through holiness, prayer, and fidelity to Jesus Christ.

St. John Leonardi lived during a difficult period in the history of the Church. The sixteenth century was marked by religious divisions, moral problems, and the urgent need for spiritual renewal. Many Christians had lost their enthusiasm for the Gospel, and the Church was facing serious challenges.

But God never abandons His Church. Whenever the Church experiences difficulties, He raises holy men and women who become instruments of His grace.

St. John Leonardi was one of these instruments.

1. God Calls Ordinary People to Extraordinary Holiness

John Leonardi was born in 1541 near Lucca, Italy. As a young man, he studied pharmacy and prepared himself for a profession that would allow him to help people suffering from physical illnesses.

However, God had another plan for his life.

While working as a pharmacist, John gradually discovered that human beings suffer not only from physical illnesses but also from spiritual wounds. He realized that the soul needs healing just as much as the body.

He eventually left his professional career and became a priest. He was ordained in 1572.

This decision teaches us something important about the Christian vocation.

God does not always call us to follow the plans we have made for ourselves. Sometimes He invites us to change course and put our talents to the service of a greater purpose.

Jesus tells His disciples:

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

John Leonardi responded to this invitation with generosity.

He understood that the greatest service we can offer another person is helping them discover God, experience His love, and find the path to eternal life.

Dear brothers and sisters, we may not be called to become priests or religious, but every Christian is called to participate in the mission of Christ.

Through our words, our example, our kindness, and our faithfulness, we can help others come closer to God.

2. The Renewal of the Church Begins with Personal Conversion

One of the greatest concerns of St. John Leonardi was the spiritual renewal of the Church.

He recognized that genuine reform could never be achieved merely by changing external structures or introducing new regulations.

True renewal must begin in the human heart.

He understood that a church becomes spiritually strong when its members strive to become holy.

For this reason, he devoted himself especially to religious education, the formation of young people, and the spiritual preparation of priests.

In 1574, he founded a religious community that later became known as the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God.

Its members dedicated themselves to prayer, preaching, religious instruction, and the spiritual renewal of Christian communities.

John Leonardi believed that priests must not merely teach the Gospel. They must also live according to it.

A priest who speaks about love must himself be loving. A priest who preaches forgiveness must be ready to forgive. A priest who calls people to prayer must himself be a man of prayer.

But this principle applies not only to priests. It applies to every Christian.

We sometimes complain that the world has become less religious, that people no longer respect Christian values, or that many have abandoned the practice of their faith.

Yet we should ask ourselves a more personal question:

What am I doing to make the Church holier?

Am I becoming more patient, more charitable, more forgiving, and more faithful to God?

The renewal of the Church begins when each of us allows Christ to renew our own heart.

3. Christ Must Be the Center of Our Lives

St. John Leonardi centered his spirituality deeply on Jesus Christ.

He understood that no human being can build a truly Christian life without a living relationship with the Lord.

Jesus says:

“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

These words express the foundation of every Christian vocation.

We may possess exceptional intelligence, excellent education, remarkable abilities, and considerable material resources. Yet without Christ, our spiritual efforts remain fruitless.

St. John Leonardi placed his confidence not in human strength but in divine grace.

He was convinced that prayer, the sacraments, and meditation on the Word of God were essential for spiritual growth.

This is also an important lesson for our time.

Modern society offers us countless possibilities for entertainment, communication, and material comfort. Yet many people experience inner emptiness, loneliness, and a lack of spiritual direction.

Why?

Because the human heart was created for something greater than earthly success.

Saint Augustine expressed this truth beautifully:

“Our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

St. John Leonardi understood that only Christ can satisfy the deepest desires of the human heart.

Therefore, he encouraged people to deepen their faith and develop a personal relationship with Jesus.

Dear brothers and sisters, we should ask ourselves whether Christ truly occupies the central place in our lives.

Do we make time for prayer? Do we listen to His Word? Do we approach the sacraments with faith? Do we seek His will when making important decisions?

A Christian life without prayer gradually becomes weak, just as a tree without water eventually loses its vitality.

4. Love for Christ Must Become Love for Others

St. John Leonardi did not limit his Christian faith to prayer and preaching.

His love for Christ inspired him to serve those who were suffering.

In 1609, an epidemic struck Rome. John Leonardi devoted himself to caring for the sick, despite the danger to his life.

Eventually, he contracted the disease and died on October 9, 1609.

His death was the final expression of a life dedicated to the service of God and neighbor.

He fulfilled the words of Jesus:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

This heroic example reminds us that genuine Christian love requires more than beautiful words.

Love must become visible through concrete actions.

We demonstrate our love for Christ when we help those who are suffering, comfort those who are grieving, visit the lonely, forgive those who have offended us, and support those who are struggling with life’s difficulties.

We do not need to perform extraordinary deeds to become holy.

Sometimes a small act of kindness, offered with sincere love, has greater spiritual value than an impressive achievement motivated by pride.

Holiness is not measured by the greatness of our accomplishments but by the love with which we perform them.

5. Every Christian Is Called to Be a Missionary

Another important aspect of St. John Leonardi’s life was his missionary spirit.

He understood that the Gospel was not intended for one nation or one culture but for the whole world.

He supported the missionary activity of the Church and contributed to efforts that later helped prepare the way for the establishment of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith.

He took seriously the command of Jesus:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

This missionary command remains valid today.

We sometimes imagine missionaries as people who travel to distant countries to preach the Gospel.

But missionary activity also begins in our immediate surroundings.

Parents become missionaries when they teach their children to pray. Teachers become missionaries when they communicate Christian values through their example. Christians become missionaries when their honesty, patience, and charity reveal the presence of Christ.

Every baptized person has a responsibility to bear witness to the Gospel.

The question is not simply whether we believe in Christ, but whether others can recognize something of Christ in the way we live.

Our lives should become a visible testimony to God’s love.

Conclusion: Become Instruments of God’s Renewal

Dear brothers and sisters,

The life of St. John Leonardi offers us three important lessons.

First, we must be willing to respond generously when God calls us to serve Him.

Second, we must remember that the renewal of the Church begins with our own conversion and holiness.

Third, our love for Jesus must be expressed through practical love for our neighbors.

St. John Leonardi lived more than four centuries ago, but his message remains remarkably relevant.

The Church still needs renewal. The world still needs witnesses of God’s love. People still need spiritual healing, forgiveness, and hope.

God continues to call ordinary men and women to become instruments of His grace.

We may not be able to change the entire world, but we can change the small part of the world where God has placed us.

We can bring peace to conflict, hope to despair, forgiveness to resentment, and love to indifference.

Let us ask St. John Leonardi to intercede for us, so that we may grow in holiness and become faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ.

And let us never forget this essential truth:

The greatest contribution we can make to the renewal of the Church is to become saints ourselves.

Amen.

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Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Mt 22,1-10

Posted on 7. October 2026 by Peter Prochac

There are two ways to notify people to appear at a place or event. These two ways are a summons and an invitation. A summons is usually an official document. Its purpose is to simply notify someone to appear, for example, at an office, police station, or notary’s office. Refusing a summons can have legal consequences for a person. It is different with an invitation. An invitation kindly announces that the inviter would like to see the invitee at his celebration. It can be a wedding, graduation, or life anniversary. An invitation is not a coercive document. It respects a person’s freedom. He may or may not accept the invitation. The king in Jesus’ parable also invites people to his son’s wedding. He leaves them freedom to decide, even though he assumes that they will accept the invitation. But the opposite happened. Those invited to the wedding did not come.

The parable solves an important problem, which is called God’s will to save all people through Jesus Christ. This is how we should understand the characters in the parable. The King is God. His Son is Jesus Christ. The invited guests represent people and their attitudes toward salvation. At first, it may appear that God does not want to save everyone. It may seem as if He only has His favorites whom He wants to save. Only when they freely and voluntarily reject salvation will those from the “street” come along. We can answer in the spirit that God is completely free in distributing His gifts, to whom He grants them and in what measure. However, whoever is offered more of God’s love will also bear greater responsibility for God’s gifts. Whoever is offered fewer gifts will also have less responsibility. How all this is accomplished in individual cases remains a mystery between God and man. However, God always respects man’s free attitude. Man can accept or reject the invitation. Man will bear the consequences himself.

From another perspective, we could say that in the first stage, God invites man to salvation on the level of conscience or the natural law within him. If a man lives according to his conscience, even if it is not religiously formed, God comes to his aid in the second stage, which is called helping grace. We can also call it the inner voice by which God calls man to take a decisive step toward salvation. But even in this phase, man remains free. He does not have to listen to this voice. He can drown it out with something. But if he listens to it and wants to go further, then the third stage comes. In it, man consciously accepts God and through the individual sacraments, God gives him sanctifying grace. These are the white robes from the parable. It is God’s life in the soul of man. Someone might object that freedom is emphasized too much, and yet God, in his omniscience, knows which people will accept God’s grace and which will not. So man is not free. That God knows this is true. God’s knowledge, however, has no effect on human freedom. If some will be saved and others damned, it will not be because God knew about it, but because of how they freely decided. Even though God foresaw their decision from eternity, this does not mean that he caused it. Every person who dies will do so with a feeling of justice that God wanted and I did not want.

Let’s move from difficult dogmatics to our practical life. In it we see how people respond to God’s invitation. Some are indifferent. They are not fundamentally against God, but they have no time for him. These are those in the parable who went to their fields and to their businesses. Others are superficial. They are represented by the man who did not have a wedding garment at the wedding feast. These are people who profess to be God in appearance but do not care how they live. They do not care much about what their soul is like and what their deeds are. There are also militant enemies of God. In the parable, they are represented by those who killed the Lord’s servants when invited to the wedding. The meaning of their life is to fight against God, the Church, and Christians by all possible means. From cruel methods to subtle ones. Finally, there are people who yearn for salvation. They are represented in the parable by those who were invited from the streets. They are aware of their unworthiness, but they accept God’s invitation with gratitude.

They represent all sincere Christians who responsibly cooperate in their salvation, even while aware of their weakness and sinfulness. Every Sunday, Christ calls us to his wedding feast in church. Let us accept this invitation with joy and responsibility. Experience teaches us that a time may come when we will hear the church bells ringing on Sunday for Holy Mass, but our bodies may already be weak and limp. If a healthy person does not accept this invitation, it is either because he has serious reasons for it, or because he is impolite. For serious reasons, God understands. Let us always leave the altar with a request that we may once after death enter the eternal feast in heaven.

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