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Gospel Commentary – September 3, 2025
Jesus is not a miracle worker or a faith healer. His mission is to proclaim the Kingdom of God. And that includes speaking, preaching, teaching—but it also necessarily includes caring, serving, loving, forgiving, building fraternity, doing justice, and being close to the poor.
I say this because for some people, the main thing—and almost the only thing—about the Church and the faith is the vertical line: the direct relationship of each individual with God. You see this in people—very Catholic people, even priests—for whom Church institutions like Caritas are regarded as some kind of NGO, not really essential for the Church or for the life of the Christian community. For them, what really matters is prayer and, above all, the liturgy—understood as that intimate moment when it seems possible for the soul to meet God.
But in fact, Jesus presents things in a very different, diametrically opposed way. Our relationship with God is not direct; it necessarily passes through our brothers and sisters. And, I think it can be said without hesitation, especially through the poorest and most needy. Liturgy and prayer are always communal, and they must be open not only to the presence of the Christian community but to all of humanity—because we are all sons and daughters of God.
That is why Caritas is not some appendix that could be dispensed with in the Church without much problem. It is a fundamental part of evangelization. And when I say Caritas, I also mean the many initiatives and associations of Christians dedicated to serving those most in need, whether they are Christians or not. Because the love of God is universal and recognizes no borders of any kind.
Today’s Gospel text should help us not to remain caught up in mystical ideas or contemplation—because that has no meaning unless it is infused with what is truly urgent: caring for our brothers and sisters. And if the need is urgent, even prayer must be set aside. Because our brother or sister always comes first.