St. Callistus and Christian Mercy – Oct 14 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr. Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 14, 2025, where he emphasizes the need for inner purity over external appearances, using the Gospel to highlight hypocrisy and the role of alms, while honoring St. Callistus I as a symbol of God's boundless mercy.

In this homily, Father explains Jesus' teaching from the Gospel about how true goodness comes from a clean heart, not just following rules like the Pharisees who wash their cups but ignore evil inside. He stresses that we must change our thoughts and feelings to be pure before God, and one way to do this is by giving to the poor as a way to make up for our mistakes. He also remembers St. Callistus I, a former slave who became pope during tough times for Christians. He started the first Christian cemetery and taught that God's forgiveness through confession covers every sin, even denying faith, making him known as the Pope of Mercy. We are encouraged to be brave in showing our love for Christ and to share God's kindness with everyone.

For Further Reading

Matthew 23: 25-26 - NAB - Clean the inside first. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/23?25
Luke 15: 11-32 - NAB - Parable of the Prodigal Son. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/15?11
Romans 8: 38-39 - NAB - Nothing separates us from God's love. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?38
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1441 - God gives power to forgive sins. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1441
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1468 - Effects of the sacrament of Penance. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1467
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1847 - God welcomes sinners with mercy. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm
Wikipedia - Pope Callistus I - Historical profile of St. Callistus. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Callistus_I
Franciscan Media - Saint Callistus I - Saint of the day profile. - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-callistus-i/
Catholic Answers - God’s Mercy Is Bigger than You - https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/gods-mercy-is-bigger-than-you

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Callistus I - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=31
Readings: Tuesday 28th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101425.cfm
1st: rom 1:16-25
Resp: psa 19:2-5
Gsp: luk 11:37-41

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1175&r=1524

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