Tuesday – 34th Week of Ordinary Time B - Saint Leonard of Port Maurice (Sermon to the brothers)

In the reading from Revelation, we are presented with a vision of the harvest—the culmination of God’s work among His people. The imagery of the sharp sickle not only signifies God’s judgment, but also serves as a powerful reminder that there is a divine order to our efforts in the world. As Franciscan friars, we are called to be laborers in the vineyard, participating in this great harvest of souls. Saint Leonard, having undergone a radical transformation through his illness and divine calling, exemplified this commitment to conversion and pastoral outreach throughout his life.
Leonard’s journey from a potential medical career to a missionary Friar was propelled by a profound realization of God’s love and mercy. He dedicated his life to preaching and calling sinners back to God. Like many of us, he faced challenges and moments of doubt, yet he remained steadfast. He did not allow the chaos of the world—whether it be through wars or spiritual apathy—to deter him from his mission. The words of Jesus in today’s Gospel remind us to keep our focus on Christ amidst the tumult, urging us to not be swayed by fear but to remain vigilant and faithful.
As Franciscans, we too must ask ourselves: How can we embody this spirit of perseverance and mission in our own lives? Are we carriers of God’s mercy? Are we attentive to the needs of our brothers and sisters? Saint Leonard had a particular gift for preaching that drew thousands to conversion, and it was his deep devotion to prayer that fueled his mission. His commitment to mental prayer, the Holy Mass, and invoking the name of Jesus throughout the day emphasizes the foundational need for a robust prayer life in our own vocations.
Let us consider how Saint Leonard promoted the practice of the Divine Praises and the Stations of the Cross. These devotions were not merely traditions for him but essential tools for spiritual growth which allowed him to meditate on the passion of Christ. In doing so, he exemplified what it means to integrate devotion into daily life—a practice that can invigorate our Franciscan charism and deepen our communal life.
Moreover, Leonard’s ardent devotion to Mary provides a model for us as we navigate our own lives. His promotion of the Immaculate Conception calls us to honor and seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother, especially during these turbulent times. Like Leonard, we are to embrace our calling with sincerity and joy, knowing that our mission is sustained through her maternal guidance.
In concluding, let us invoke the intercession of Saint Leonard of Port Maurice to embolden us in our Franciscan journey. May we strive toward becoming instruments of peace, love, and conversion in the world. May we, like Saint Leonard, cultivate a deep personal relationship with Jesus and extend our hearts to those who are lost. Let us not only see ourselves as caretakers of Franciscan tradition but also as active participants in the ongoing harvest of faith. Let us pray that we may be united in our commitment to living out our vocation with the same fervor, dedication, and zeal that characterized the life of Saint Leonard. Amen.