Pope's Intentions
Value of Silence. That people today, often overwhelmed by noise, may rediscover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and their brothers and sisters.
Persecuted Christians. That Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world may by their witness be prophets of Christ's love.
Monday of the Twenty-fifth week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint John Chrysostom (c.345-407), priest at Antioch then Bishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church
Homilies on the Acts of the apostles, n°20, 3-4 ; PG 60, 162
"He places it on a lampstand"
Nothing is more cold than a christian who is not dedicated to saving others. In this respect there can be no pretense of poverty: the widow who gave her two tiny coins would rise up and call you to account (Lk 21,2). Peter too, who said: “Silver and gold have I none” (Acts 3,6). And Paul, who was so poor that he often went hungry and lacked the necessary means to live on (1Cor 4,11). Neither can you protest your humble birth: they too were of modest degree. Ignorance won't give you any better excuse: they were uneducated as well... It's no good claiming sickness: Timothy was subject to frequent illnesses (1Tim 5,23)... Anybody at all can be of service to his neighbor if he would do what he can...
Don't say that it's impossible for you to draw others because, if you are a christian, it's impossible that you shouldn't. Every tree bears its own fruit (Mt 17,17f) and, since there is no contradiction in nature, what we are saying is likewise true since it follows from the very nature of a christian... It is easier for light to be darkness than that the christian should not shine!