The Memorial of St Philip Neri

THE MEMORIAL OF ST PHILIP NERI: Acts 25:13-21, Jn 21:15-19. Before Jesus was crucified Peter denied Jesus three times. After Jesus rose from the dead he appeared to Peter and asked him three times: “Do you love me?” as reported in today’s Gospel. The question on the lips of Jesus is not: “Why did you deny me?” but “Do you love me?” The question Jesus asked is not one that focuses on the past but, rather, one that focuses on the present. The past is past; it is the present that matters.

The risen Lord gives all of us the same opportunity and gives it over and over again. The question, “Do you love me?” is asked by the one who has loved us with a Divine love. It is not an accusing question; it is an inviting question calling us back into communion if, for whatever reason, we have fallen out of contact with Him. Such invitation was extended to St Philip Neri (1515-1595) and he in turn undertook much-needed charitable work among the young men and started a brotherhood to help the sick poor and pilgrims. Philip was born in Florence in 1515. At the age of eighteen he went to Rome and earned his living as a tutor. He was advised that he could do more good as a priest and was ordained in 1551. He built an oratory over the Church of San Girolamo, where he invented services, consisting of spiritual readings and hymns, which were the origin of the oratorio, where he served young men of Rome, rich and poor alike, with religious discussions and by organising charitable enterprises. He had a particular care for the young students at the English College in Rome, studying for a missionary life and probable martyrdom in England.

May the Lord grant us the grace to love Him above all things! Amen!! Good morning and have a great day!!!