When we meet a person truly in need, do we see the face of God?

Today is my anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. Please pray for me and all priests.

It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about.

Being Christian without the Church doesn't make sense. That's why the great Paul VI, said that the most absurd dichotomy is loving Christ without the Church. To listen to Christ, but not the Church. To be with Christ, but stay at the margins of the Church. It's not possible. It's an absurd dichotomy.

In these cases, where there is an unjust aggression, I can only say that it is licit to stop the unjust aggressor. I emphasize the word: "stop". I'm not saying drop bombs, make war, but stop the aggressor. The means used to stop him would have to be evaluated.

To love God and neighbor is not something abstract, but profoundly concrete: it means seeing in every person and face of the Lord to be served, to serve him concretely. And you are, dear brothers and sisters, in the face of Jesus.

The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ’s cross, constantly invites us to rejoice.