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Open the Doors to Christ

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

“I have come to set the earth on fire” (Luke 12:49)

On This Date…

On October 22, 1978 Pope John Paul II was inaugurated as pope. In his homily during the Mass he said, “Be not afraid! Open the doors to Christ.” He served as pope until his death on April 2, 2005, just short of his 85th birthday, the 2nd longest pope in church history. He was canonized in 2014.

In today’s Gospel Jesus says, “I have come to set the earth on fire”. Saint John Paul II set the world on fire with his faith, hope, and love. As he said, “Open the doors to Christ.”

– Father McLaughlin

Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II

Open the Doors to Christ

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

“In sending us Jesus, the Eternal Son made man, God has drawn near to each of us. In Christ He has become our traveling companion.”(Pope John Paul II)

On This Date…

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Saint Peter’s Square

On October 22, 1978, Pope John Paul II was inaugurated as pope. In his homily that day at Mass he said, “Be not afraid! Open the doors to Christ.” Pope John Paul had been elected four days earlier.

When Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, the thousands of mourners gathered in Saint Peter’s Square began to cry out, “Santo Subito” (“sainthood immediately”). Pope Francis canonized Pope John Paul II on April 27, 2014 and today is his feast day.

This morning Mr. Gabriel shared these words of St. John Paul II with the Auk Ministry Team: “In sending us Jesus, the Eternal Son made man, God has drawn near to each of us. In Christ He has become our traveling companion.” So, unafraid, let us “Open the doors to Christ.”

– Father McLaughlin

Allay Troubled Hearts With Faith in God

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. (John 14:1)

On This Date…

Ioannes Paulus II.

Ioannes Paulus II.

On May 18, 1920, Karol Józef Wojtyla, now Saint John Paul II, was born in Poland. Birthdays are a special occasion. After John Paul II was elected pope in 1978, he often invited cardinals in Rome who were over the age of 80, and thus unable to vote in a papal election, to join him for lunch on his birthday. He wanted to get their thoughts on the needs of the church, and also to show his appreciation for their wisdom and insights.

In his first homily as pope, Saint John Paul II said:

Be not afraid! Open the doors to Christ.

Non abbiate paura! Aprite, anzi, spalancate le porte a Cristo!

That is the same message Jesus offers in today’s Gospel from John: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me,” – a great birthday greeting.

– Father McLaughlin