Today, May 26th, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest, we are first invited to read reflect on a passage from the first letter of Peter the apostle (5:1-11), entitled "The duties of pastors and laity". Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily on the Gospels by Saint Gregory the Great, pope.
Saint Philip Neri, often called the "Apostle of Rome," was a sixteenth century Italian priest best known for his joyful holiness, warm humor, deep prayer life, and tireless ministry to ordinary people, especially youth, pilgrims, and the poor. He founded the Congregation of the Oratory, a community of priests centered on prayer, preaching, spiritual conversation, and charity. Rather than contributing new doctrines to Catholic teaching, Philip Neri helped renew the Church during the Counter-Reformation by showing that holiness can be attractive, joyful, practical, and deeply human. His lasting contribution to Catholic spirituality is his emphasis on personal conversion, frequent prayer and confession, love for the Eucharist, humble service, and finding God in everyday life.
Our "treasure" today from Saint Gregory the Great's homily, "In the world, yet not of it," teaches that Christians are called to live fully in the ordinary world — working, serving, loving families, and carrying out daily responsibilities — while keeping their hearts centered on God rather than on worldly values. A faithful disciple uses the things of this world without becoming attached to them, seeking eternal life above wealth, power, comfort, or human praise. Gregory reminds us that true holiness is not escaping the world, but living within it with a mind and heart shaped by Christ.
The main teaching of today's first reading from the First Letter of Peter is that both leaders and members of the Church have responsibilities rooted in humility and service. Pastors are called to care for God's people willingly, generously, and by good example—not for power, status, or personal gain. The faithful, in turn, are called to respect their leaders, live humbly toward one another, and place their trust in God's care. Peter reminds all Christians that true greatness in the Church comes through humble service, steadfast faith, and confidence that God will strengthen and guide those who remain faithful to Him.
