St. John Neumann

John Neumann, a Redemptorist, lived for most of the 19th century, 1811-1860.  After years of serving as a parish priest, known for his compassion and faithful zeal, he was made Bishop of Philadelphia.  As Bishop he continues to be an advocate of the poor, work tirelessly for youth and for catholic education, and promoted the faith through preaching and teaching.  His love of the Church was directly tied to his love for Christ.

In the reading from St. John today, John is talking to a community that is divided into a variety of little groups.  Each group believes that its theology is that best and final theology.  St. John is working to bring a sense of unity and community to his hearers, so as to bring healing the brokenness that he is witnessing.  John speaks quite eloquently about the communion we share in Christ Jesus. 

John Neumann was good at moving his priests and people to understand the mission we have received in Christ.  Our care for the poor and education of young people are reminders that we have some very important matters to attend to.  True disciples cannot launch out on their own but must remain connected to the Good Shepherd.

I am always very bothered by the various groups that I see in the Church today.  Each with their own theology and each castigating the other.  Make no mistake about it, this is the sort of dicvision that the Evangelist warns us about today.  John Neumann wants u to understand the unity which we have in diversity.  More importantly such a divide will lead us into not doing our mission properly or well.  Our care for the poor, advocacy for the oppressed, and sharing the Good News are much more important than our physical posture or what clothes we wear at mass. 

St. John Neumann would want us to get over ourselves and our petty differences and to learn how to do good in our world today.  We are called to be disciples and prophets and should not be scared to proclaim good news.