Fr. Greg Heille, OP

As we begin a new liturgical year, the Prophet Jeremiah reminds us of God's promise to raise up for us "The Lord of Justice." Yet we are also reminded in the Gospel not to let the anxieties of life distract us from our duty to always stand on God's side, full of joy, vigilant for the cry of the poor, joining in spreading the message that our salvation is near.

St. Paul assures us that all who call on God will be heard. Yet we can only believe because we have been told. Christian life is inherently communal, and thus we celebrate in community the passing of the seasons, and our gratefulness to God.

Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven as being like the leaven in dough that, though small, can grow and take over the whole measure of flour. Our hearts can grow with the love of God, but sometimes they get frozen. Let yours grow, and perhaps use the pope's new encyclical on devotion to the Sacred Heart to help.

On this feast of Sts. Simon and Jude we read of Jesus choosing the apostles. Each of us are also called to become his followers and receive an epiclesis, a transformation by the Holy Spirit turning us into the Body of Christ so that we can join in Christ's mission.

Saints Cosmas and Damian knew that their martyrdom would spread sparks far and wide to ignite the faith of the Christian community and thus embraced their faith. Let their example and their prayers reignite your own faith this day. Even though all things might seem hopeless, they are not for nought with the help of God.

As Jesus preached, he also healed, and when he sent his disciples out to preach, he sent them to heal as well. Thus we can ask ourselves if we heal others as we preach the Good News?