Deeds of Love, not Words – May 26 – Homily – Fr Ignatius

 

Fr Ignatius gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on May 26, 2023, where he reflects on his recent Ignatian Retreat that included a meditation called "Contemplation to Gain Love." St. Ignatius emphasized that love should manifest more in deeds than in words. This sentiment is echoed in today's gospel where Jesus questions Simon Peter's love for Him and instructs him to show it through his actions as chief pastor: feed my lambs, tend my sheep.

As Christians, we must prove our love for God, not just verbally profess it. Adherence to His commandments is the foremost act of demonstrating love, as Jesus says in [John 14: 15 - If you love me, you will keep my commandments - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?15].

Additionally, the faithful should fulfill their state-in-life duties, as emphasized by Jesus to Peter. If you're a parent or a spouse, accomplishing responsibilities attached to these roles embodies our love for God.

Lastly, charitable works, specifically the seven spiritual and corporal works of mercy, are significant ways to express love. As St. John mentions in his first letter, if we love God, we should also love our brethren. In doing so, we make our love for God practical and evident. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

00:00 - Introduction
00:17 - The Ignatian Retreat and the Contemplation to Gain Love
01:01 - Simon Peter's Affirmation of Love to Jesus
01:47 - Upholding the Commandments
02:16 - Fulfilling the Duties of our State in Life
02:50 - The Importance of Charitable Works

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Philip Neri - Mem
Readings: Friday 7th Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052623.cfm
1st: act 25:13-21
Resp: psa 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
Gsp: joh 21:15-19

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1080&r=1731

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