Location: Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary
Dear brothers and sisters, we come together not as a mere gathering of individuals, but as one body in Christ. St. Paul offers us a powerful reminder that Christ has broken down all the barriers that once separated us, and in Him, we are called to unity – a unity that transcends our differences in culture, language, and race.
Jesus challenges us when He says, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words… the Son of Man will be ashamed of…” (Mk 8:38). These words invite us to ask ourselves: Are we afraid to publicly acknowledge our faith through our actions? Are we ready to encounter Jesus in the people we meet today?
Jesus teaches us: “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
How do we truly recognize the face of Christ in those who are in error or with whom we simply disagree? Or do we allow our fears, prejudices, or comforts to build walls between us and our brothers and sisters?
As we celebrate the Eucharist, we encounter Jesus in a profound way – this is heaven with a veil. The Eucharist reminds us that our ultimate goal is unity with Christ and with one another, and it is a foretaste of our final encounter with Him. If we live each day with this in mind, we will not fear the final judgment; rather, we will long for it, knowing that we are already being transformed by His grace.
Pope Francis reminds us that “unity is a grace, an unexpected gift.” It is not about uniformity, but about harmony. Our unity as Christians is born from the Cross of the Lord, and it is for the sake of mission. We are called to journey together, just as the disciples walked with the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
May Our Lady of Guadalupe help us remain vigilant, attentive to the ways God calls us to open the doors of our hearts to Him and to one another. May we embrace the unity Christ offers through the practice of synodality, and be witnesses of His love in a world that so desperately needs peace, reconciliation, and hope.
