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This homily connects the bold actions of the apostles in the first reading (Acts) and Jesus's own mission ("God so loved the world" from John) to Pope Francis's vision for a Church that reaches beyond itself.

On the Feast Day of St. Catherine of Siena (April 29th), and during the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, this Word of Hope reflects on two powerful figures who called for unity, mercy, and charity in divided times. Just as St. Catherine was a voice for truth and a bridgebuilder 700 years ago, Pope Francis emphasized these same virtues, reminding us that we are all brothers and sisters.

In miraculously feeding the multitudes, Jesus invites his disciples to collaborate with him in God's saving work. His disciples are not sure they can.

In the Gospel, Jesus leaves home and starts preaching and developing a following. In the First Letter of John we are challenged to test the voices we hear and to place Jesus' message above all others. Ask yourself, why do you believe in Jesus?

On this Memorial of St. Ambrose of Milan, we remember that God can use us in ways that we might never imagine. Will we let God use us?

In the Gospel today, Jesus gives sight back to two blind people. Jesus does not undercut or bypass our humanity, but restores us to our full humanity so that we can use it for our own good and the good of others.

Paul reminds us that our citizenship is ultimately in heaven. Keeping this in mind moves us beyond optimism or pessimism and into a mindset of hope— that Jesus has already conquered death and whatever is happening here and now, in the end, Jesus triumphs over all.

Does God really respond to our prayer? Jesus promised us that "if we knock the door will be opened." Our head might believe this, but our hearts sometimes doubt, and that gets in the way of prayer. Trust.

Jesus taught his disciples the "Our Father" when they wanted to know how to pray. This is a prayer that does not supplant our own voice, but guides it into looking for the right things from God. Find your own voice in prayer. Ask for what you truly want and need.

Jesus issued a prophetic challenge the cities of his day that they might hear him and repent. God's sends us prophets as well. Do we have the faith and courage to listen?

Jesus challenged his disciples that his words might bring division in families, because the truth he brings is more important than any kind of truth we have created for ourselves. The Good News is that Jesus will never stop fighting for us. Sometimes that fight will be painful, but it will be worth it.

Jesus said not to swear to the truth but to simply let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no. In this world, we accept that people lie and therefore need these markers that this time we are not lying. But in the Reign of God, everyone will simply speak the truth all the time, and so we should move in that direction now.