First Reading I John 3:11-21 Gospel John 1:43-51

John Neumann was born in Bohemia, but came to New York and was ordained a priest. In order to serve the Church’s ministry to German immigrants, he became a member of the Redemptorist community. He served in many tough places in Pennsylvania, and in 1852, he was made bishop of Philadelphia. There he established a wonderful Catholic school system. He always remained a champion of the poor and the needy. He could hear confessions in seven languages. In times when the Church would often be divided along ethnic and national lines, he gave unity to the Church. He defended the Church in the era of “Know-Nothingism.” Because of his humility, he was never accepted by the “high society” of Philadelphia, but the humble people knew him as a saintly shepherd. Bishop Neumann patiently and humbly suffered the arrogance of his auxiliary bishop. The auxiliary was a “clerical climber,” apparently well-connected in Rome. Newman knew of the “conspiracy” against him, but bore it patiently. He even offered to resign the See in favor of his auxiliary. In the end, he was vindicated: He is a saint.

The weekday readings: Our first reading tells us to avoid “talking a good game.” If we see our neighbor in need, and have the means to help, we cannot claim we follow Christ if we refuse to help. The love of God is not in a person who refuses to act according to the way of Christ. The gospel continues John’s story of the call of the first apostles. Nathaniel is described as a “true Israelite, without guile.” In other words, he was not about to change his life without solid evidence. From a simple statement of Jesus that he was seen and known while he was under a fig tree, Nathaniel proclaims Jesus as Messiah. Jesus tells him that he will see far greater things than this.