Emperor Henry’s Example: Building God’s Kingdom on Earth – Jul 13 – Homily – Fr Michael

 

Fr. Michael M. Gauvreau, FI gives the homily on how true worship begins with a conversion of heart, leading to sacrificial charity and courage to prioritize God above all, as exemplified by St. Henry, enabling us to build God's kingdom and strive for perfection.

The homily begins by recalling the Prophet Isaiah's message to Israel, comparing their superficial worship to Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing that God desires a genuine conversion of heart over mere ceremonial rituals. True sacrifice involves profound charity towards God and neighbor, and the courage to prioritize Him above all, even when loved ones object to the Gospel. Our Lord teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God, promising that all else will follow, and to strive for perfection as our Heavenly Father is perfect.

This call is exemplified by St. Henry, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and his holy wife, St. Kunigunde. Despite their royal status and wealth, they prioritized building God's kingdom on earth through the Church and state, founding monasteries, religious orders, and charitable institutions. St. Henry, even desiring to enter a Benedictine order, was advised to remain in the world to do greater good. His life demonstrates that God-given resources should be used not for selfish gain but for the betterment of society and for guiding people towards heaven. We are reminded that God provides the necessary strength and graces, particularly through the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance, to exercise virtues like charity and mercy. We are called to live as pilgrims, not of the world, becoming saints for future generations, helping others reach heaven and striving for perfection.

Pope Francis 2018 – Heart must choose loving God over worldly treasures – https://airmaria.com/go/9xVfJC
Pope Benedict XVI 2008 – Conversion means humbly following Jesus as true disciples – https://airmaria.com/go/TM9gaF
Isaiah 29:13 – Worship with lips, hearts far from God – https://airmaria.com/go/DvK25G
Matthew 5:48 – Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect – https://airmaria.com/go/YEGZxD
CCC 1430 – Interior penance, conversion of heart – https://airmaria.com/go/8dxnDF
CCC 1822 – Charity: theological virtue, love God above all – https://airmaria.com/go/CHjdB8
CCC 2233 – Preferring Christ to all human ties – https://airmaria.com/go/muErsU

00:00 - The Prophet Isaiah and Hardened Hearts
01:23 - Conversion of Heart and the Sacrifice of Charity
02:41 - Prioritizing God Above All Things
03:50 - The Example of Emperor Henry
05:59 - St. Henry's Legacy: Building God's Kingdom on Earth
07:12 - God Provides the Strength for Our Call
08:23 - Our Mission: Becoming Saints for Future Generations

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Henry - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5694
Readings: Monday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071326.cfm
1st: Isaiah 1:10-17 - God's Indictment of Judah
Resp: Psalms 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23 - God's Summons to Righteousness
Gsp: Matthew 34, 11:1 - The Sword of Division

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1106&r=2236

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0glpks_5ce0