Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in the Franciscan world today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint James of the Marches and we are reminded of his significant role in the history of the Franciscan Order and his lasting impact on the Church and our Catholic faith. Saint James was not only a devoted Franciscan but also an evangelizer whose life emulated the mission of our Lord: to bring the Good News to all, especially to those who are lost and suffering.
Our readings today from the book of Revelation and the Gospel of Luke reveal deep themes of judgment, salvation, and hope. In Revelation, we witness a powerful proclamation of the fall of Babylon—a symbol of moral decay and spiritual corruption. The great angel's voice cries out about the city’s desolation and ultimate destruction, emphasizing God's justice against sin and the betrayal of His people. And yet, amidst the somber reality of judgment, the voices of the multitude rise in praise of God's righteousness: "Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God."
Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs of the end times and the tribulations that will precede His coming. It is a moment of warning, but also an invitation to hope: "When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." These passages resonate deeply with us today, reminding us that while we live in a world filled with strife and uncertainty, we are called to remain vigilant, faithful, and hopeful.
Saint James of the Marches lived in a time of upheaval, marked by social and religious turmoil. He embraced his Franciscan spirituality, traveling tirelessly to preach the Gospel, promote peace, and bring reconciliation to fractured communities. His commitment to the ideals of Saint Francis—a life of poverty, humility, and service—was a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.
In his preaching, Saint James once said, “The greatest of all commandments is that we should love one another.” This simple yet profound truth becomes the foundation of our Christian mission. Just as the cries of the multitude in heaven celebrate God's justice, Saint James’ life proclaimed the love and mercy of God through action and witness.
He also reminded us, “It is better to be despised for doing good than to be praised for doing evil.” In our own time, we are called to embody that same spirit of boldly living our faith within even hostile environments. We, too, are to proclaim the Good News in a world that often mirrors the chaos and corruption of Babylon. We must not lose heart amidst the challenges we face, whether it be in our communities or on a global scale. We are called to be bearers of light in the darkness, mirrors of God’s grace and mercy to others, and advocates for justice and peace in our society.
As we reflect on our blessings today, and for our American brothers and sisters, in the context of Thanksgiving, let us consider the abundance we enjoy. Saint James stated, “Blessed is he who gives with a cheerful heart,” reminding us that our blessings are an invitation to generosity. Let us remember that this abundance is not merely for our comfort but is a gift to be shared with those who suffer and struggle. Through gratitude, we can cultivate a spirit of generosity, moving us to reach out to our neighbour all the more.
Thus, on this Memorial of Saint James of the Marches, let us ask for his intercession and imitate his trust in God's promise of redemption. He once said, “Do not be afraid of the storms in life, for the God whom we serve is greater than the storm.” Our Lady, Queen of Saints, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Add comment
Comments