Jesus, our Neighbor
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
- Pope Leo emphasizes that peace is not merely the absence of war but a personal and interior effort. True peace begins with humility, forgiveness and mindful communication — not just political treaties.
from: https://catholicreview.org/10-real-quotes-that-pope-leo-has-actually-said/ - Someone said that Pope Leo said that Jesus is our Neighbor. I could not find a specific quote to that effect, but I know it to be true, and this is why: In the poor and disadvantaged, we see Jesus' suffering. People are suffering through poverty, sickness, and sin, and in them I see Jesus Christ. His suffering on the Cross, in a small way, is our suffering.
In our dealings with our neighbors (that's everyone), we see the Cross, the Cross of Jesus Christ. We see the Cross with compassion, and love. In that way, we see Jesus in their suffering. Pope Leo's homily from Castel Gandolfo spoke of our neighbors. Also see: Matthew 25:34-36.
From the Pope's homily "Brothers and sisters, today we need this “revolution of love.” Today, the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Jericho is the road travelled by all those who descend into sin, suffering and poverty. It is the road travelled by all those weighed down by troubles or hurt by life. The road travelled by all who fall down, lose their bearings and hit rock bottom. The road travelled by all those peoples that are stripped, robbed and pillaged, victims of tyrannical political systems, of an economy that forces them into poverty, and of wars that kill their dreams and their very lives." That talks of the suffering masses - the Cross of Jesus, the Lord.
Peace to all,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
7/22/2025