Understanding True Love Today Through Christ’s Sacrifice – Sep 27 – Homily – Fr Bernard

Father delves into the profound mystery of Christ’s passion, a concept initially misunderstood by His disciples, who anticipated a political liberator rather than a spiritual redeemer. He explains how Jesus gradually revealed the true nature of redemption, not through triumph but through the ultimate sacrifice of laying down His life. This act, as Father notes, is the greatest display of love, echoing Christ’s words that no one has greater love than he who gives his life for his friends. This teaching challenges modern society’s aversion to suffering, where many fail to see its purpose as a means of purification and reparation, as well as an opportunity to exercise true love through self-giving.

Father also draws inspiration from St. Vincent de Paul, whose life exemplified self-forgetfulness and charity, particularly in serving the spiritual and material needs of the poor in rural France. He founded his institute and the Daughters of Charity for this purpose, reminding us to prioritize the spiritual good of souls over mere material concerns. Additionally, Father recalls Our Lady’s urgent call at Fatima to pray and sacrifice for sinners, warning that many souls are lost due to a lack of intercession. He encourages us to embrace true charity by dying to self, seeking the grace of Our Blessed Mother, the mother of divine love, to live out this self-giving love in all aspects of life.

For Further Reading

John 15: 13 - NAB - Greater love has no one - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?13
Catechism of the Catholic Church #616 - Christ’s Redemptive Sacrifice - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/616.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2011 - Charity and Self-Giving - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2011.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1473 - Suffering and Purification - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1473.htm
Franciscan Media - Profile of St. Vincent de Paul - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-vincent-de-paul/

Ave Maria!