Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we reflect on the powerful message contained in our readings from 2 Corinthians and the Gospel of Luke, we are reminded of the gravity and beauty of our calling as Christians. It is a calling deeply illustrated by the life and legacy of Saint John of Capistrano, an exceptional Franciscan friar and priest, whose fervent love for Christ and mission of reconciliation resonate profoundly with the words of Saint Paul and the challenges posed by our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul declares: "The love of Christ impels us." This love is not merely an emotion; it is a transformative force that calls us to die to ourselves and to live for Him. John of Capistrano epitomized this call throughout his life. Born in 1386, he initially pursued a career in law before experiencing a profound conversion that would redirect his entire existence. As a member of the Franciscan Order, he dedicated himself to embodying the radical love of Christ, a love that drove him into the heart of conflict to minister to those in need.
His legacy is one of reconciliation and evangelization, seeing in Christ the true source of healing and forgiveness, akin to what Paul expressed when he said: "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ." Saint John understood well that reconciliation begins in the heart and must overflow into action. During his pastoral missions throughout Europe, particularly in times of war and societal strife, he lived as an ambassador of Christ, appealing to the hearts of those around him to find peace through divine love. He stood before kings and commoners alike, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and urging them to turn from violence and towards the light of Christ.
In our Gospel passage, Jesus makes clear the demands of discipleship. The call to follow Him requires absolute commitment; there is no room for hesitation or looking back. John of Capistrano exemplified this in his willingness to leave behind his former life — his status, his security, his past — to proclaim the Good News as a wandering preacher. He faced dangers, ridicule, and threats, yet remained resolute, driven by the conviction that what lay ahead in Christ was far greater than anything he left behind.
Saint John of Capistrano challenges us to cultivate a heart of action, to embrace the call to become reconciled not only with God but with one another, even when it seems daunting. Moreover, John’s life teaches us about the power of community. As a Franciscan, he thrived within a fraternity of believers, bound together by a common mission. In today's world, it is vital that we nurture our communities, both lay and religious, to support and uplift one another in our individual call to holiness. Each of us is “a new creation” in Christ, and together we can be the instruments of reconciliation in a world that so desperately needs it.
As we remember Saint John of Capistrano today, let us take to heart his example of evangelization, reconciliation, and unyielding commitment to Christ. Let us ask ourselves: Are we ready to be ambassadors of Christ? Are we prepared to share His love and truth in our lives, families, workplaces, and communities?
Let us pray for the grace to live as John did — in passionate love for Jesus, unwavering in the face of challenges, and ever committed to the ministry of reconciliation. May his spirit of Franciscan simplicity in imitation of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, be the same kind of spirit which animates our own hearts and souls, so that we too can be most fruitful in our ministries and contributions to the building up of God’s kingdom, where his will is done, and his glory is sung, now and forever more. Amen.
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