Jesus tells us to love again today. Let us love the lost. The lost are not the enemy, though we often see them that way. But Jesus says: love them.

Let us win souls to ourselves, that we might then win them for Him

If we aren’t connected to the vine, not only will we not produce any fruit; we will wilt away

Pope Francis: The Christian carries the burdens of life without losing peace

Today we celebrate St Bernadine of Sienna, not such a well-known saint. Which is interesting, because one of his greatest gifts to the Church is very widely known: the IHS symbol. IHS are he first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek….and Bernadine spread thta name everywhere. It was all about Jesus for him. Which is a good thing, because he drew big crowds….30,000 or so….as he taught Jesus. Like our first reading where people call Paul and Barnabas Zeus and Heremes, making them gods — folks might have made a god out of Bernandine had he not talked about Jesus’ name so much. As our psalmist says today, Not to us Lord, not to us, but to YOUR name be ht eglory

Go and make disciples of all nations

Love one another

These are two great commandments – they are not great suggestions.  They are commandments … for all  of us

“Love Mary! She is lovable, faithful, constant. She will never let herself be outdone in love, but will ever remain supreme. If you are in danger, she will hasten to free you. If you are troubled, she will console you. If you are sick, she will bring you relief. If you are in need, she will help you. She does not look to see what kind of person you have been. She simply comes to a heart that wants to love her.” — St. Gabriel Possenti of Our Lady of Sorrows