Fr. Yamil A. Samalot Rivera, OP

Discover the inspiring life of St. John Chrysostom, the "Golden-Mouthed" bishop, and his powerful message on living the Word of God daily. Father Yamil Samot Riververa explores how St. John Chrysostom's dedication to preaching and practicing the Gospel can transform our lives and illuminate the world around us. Learn how to make the Word of God a living reality in your daily life, following the example of this influential saint and the Focolare Movement.

Father Yamil reflects on the Gospel's call to avoid hypocrisy and focus on living a life of faith. Drawing from his experiences in Colombia and the example of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, he encourages us to remove the "beam" from our own eyes before judging others. Discover the power of living witness and the importance of love and service in bringing salvation to the world.

In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges his disciple to forgive one another not seven times, but 77 times. This absurd number mirrors God's absurd love for us in giving his son for our salvation, and in St. Maximillian Kolbe's absurd love that led him to offer himself for death in place of another. Father Yamil draws a powerful parallel between the Gospel's call to forgive abundantly and the saint's extraordinary act of love toward his executioners and fellow prisoners.

In today's very short Gospel, Mt 18:15-20, Jesus tells his disciples about the power of community—how to correct one another, how whenever two or more are gather in his name, he is there, and about their ability to forgive sins. May our experience of communion in community live up to this potential!

In our Gospel today, Jesus rebukes the towns in which he has worked miracles who still did not recognise him. Do we recognise God in our own midst, especially in the poor and suffering?

As we celebrate the memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first native American saint, we remember how she left her family in order to become a Christian and to follow Christ more closely. May we share her zeal for the faith and avail ourselves of Jesus' promise that those who lose their lives for his sake will find it.