St. Gregory Grassi’s Courageous Witness to Christ’s Love – Jul 08 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr. Joseph Michael McShane gives the homily on how Jesus calls us to share in His salvific mission through prayer, penance, and daily witness, urging us to embrace conversion and sanctification with the courage exemplified by martyrs like Bishop Gregory Grassi.

Today's Gospel reminds us that Jesus calls each of us to share in His mission of salvation, just as He called His first disciples, giving them authority to preach, heal, and cast out spirits. We participate through our daily Christian lives, prayer, sacrifice, and by giving good witness to others. The homily stresses the immense power of prayer and penance for the salvation of souls, noting that God's grace can transform us despite our imperfections. We are urged to recognize the urgency of the "kingdom of heaven is at hand," making now the time for conversion and sanctification. The homily concludes by honoring Bishop Gregory Grassi and his companions, who were martyred in China, highlighting his courageous decision to embrace martyrdom rather than abandon his flock, serving as an inspiration for us to live our faith with strength and confidence.

Pope Francis 2023 – New catechesis series on apostolic zeal and evangelization passion – https://airmaria.com/go/pwgcNj
Mark 3:14 – Jesus calls apostles to share His mission – https://airmaria.com/go/2rtQMu
CCC 900 – Lay faithful share Christ's prophetic mission – https://airmaria.com/go/5gydHX
2 Corinthians 12:9 – God's grace perfects us in weakness – https://airmaria.com/go/iCBR8J
CCC 2473 – Martyrdom is supreme witness to faith – https://airmaria.com/go/LVKehg
James 5:16 – Fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful – https://airmaria.com/go/4qgsXu

00:00 - The Call to Share in Christ's Mission
01:26 - The Power of Prayer and Penance
02:09 - God's Grace Transforms Imperfections
02:39 - The Urgency of "The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand"
03:26 - Honoring Bishop Gregory Grassi and Companions
04:09 - The Martyrdom of Bishop Grassi and Companions
04:38 - Bishop Grassi's Refusal to Escape
05:10 - Prayer for Courage and Witness

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Gregory Grassi and companions - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=7229
Readings: Wednesday 14th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/070826.cfm
1st: Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 - Israel's Sin and Captivity
Resp: Psalms 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 - Praise God's Faithfulness
Gsp: Matthew 10:1-7 - Mission of the Twelve

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=671&r=1645

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1aM4CAcRfA