Today is the memorial of Saint John XXIII. Born to a family of farmers, John’s humble roots resonated throughout his life. In World War I, John served as a stretcher barrier. In World War II; as a papal diplomat in Turkey and in France, he provided a safe pathway to many saving an estimated 24,000 Jews. In his papacy he convened the Second Vatican Council. John promoted a dialog among Protestants, Orthodox, Jews and Muslims. Emerging from a period of wars John wrote an encyclical on Peace on Earth and another on the role of the Church as Mother and Teacher. Let spend some time reflecting on Saint John XXIII words.
“Christianity is the meeting-point of earth and heaven. It lays claim to the whole man, body and soul, intellect and will, inducing him to raise his mind above the changing conditions of this earthly existence and reach upwards for the eternal life of heaven, where one day he will find his unfailing happiness and peace.” Mother and Teacher (1961) Paragraph 2