Today we celebrate the feast of a noteworthy Franciscan priest: John of Capistrano. He lived in Italy in the 14th century and first became governor of the town in which he went to study law: Perugia. Then he entered the Order of Friars Minor and, after ordination to the priesthood, led an untiring apostolic life preaching throughout Europe both to strengthen Christian life and to refute heresy. He died in Austria in 1456, where he was sent to defend the Church against John Hus and his heretical band.
The readings today speak of keeping sights set on the whole mission of Christ: TO RECONCILE MANKIND WITH GOD! St. Paul tells the Corinthians that the love of Christ brought about reconciliation for all – and in Christ all have died, so that all might be saved! He then tells the Corinthians to live like they are in fact reconciled. Be the new creation that you can be – if you count yourselves in on the reconciliation!
This is the message that John of Capistrano – ambassador of Christ – brought to the Franciscan Community – to all who heard his preaching – and to those who were doctrinally in error: fullness of life in Truth is available in Christ Jesus, the Lord!
The gospel passage recounts the life of John of Capistrano, his Franciscan brothers and indeed all of us who are called to follow Christ – Jesus says: KEEP YOUR SIGHTS FIXED ON ME when you feel me calling you to discipleship. You will have all you need to be a faithful and good disciple – if you do not make excuses or keep looking back and away to other things and projects! The Kingdom of Heaven awaits those who follow very closely and literally in my footsteps!
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
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