Msgr. Roger J. Landry
National Director, The Pontifical Mission Societies
Daily Reflection for October 17, 2025
Here is the video of today’s reflection.
I’m Monsignor Roger Landry, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. I’m here in St. Peter Square as we’re waiting for the mass for the Jubilee of Pilgrims taking place with Pope Leo in a couple hours. Today in the United States is October 17th, the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch, one of the great early martyrs and saints of the church who shows us real courage. And in today’s gospel, Jesus wants us to focus on that courage. Says a few things to us. First thing he says, “Beware of the leaven of the scribes and the Pharisees.” The hypocrisy of these people who were doing one thing on the outside, but their inside was far from God. He wants us to be people of integrity. St. Ignatius of Antioch was one of those people of integrity. He told us, “What you hear in the darkness, proclaim in the light. What you hear whispered, shout on the rooftops.” He says, “Don’t be afraid of those who can only kill the body because our heavenly father cares for us. He’s numbered every one of the follicles on our head.” He says he doesn’t even let a sparrow fall to the ground without his knowing. And we’re worth more than many sparrow. So the real source of our Christian courage, the courage that inspired St. Ignatius of Antioch, the courage that inspires martyrs today is the courage that comes from knowing that God loves us. And even should we die just like Jesus died, we will rise to be happy with him forever. That is always the perennial message of the church. As we are now two days away from World Mission Sunday, we pray for all those courageous missionaries who have gone far away from home in order to be able to bring that light to those in darkness, that word to those who still haven’t heard it, knowing that every one of their follicles has been counted by the Lord and they’re going to bring the gospel to all those who the Lord loves just as much. Join me and join please Pope Leo as we pray for missionaries all across the globe that we may continue the mission Christ entrusted to us as he ascended into heaven. God bless you.
The Gospel reading on which the reflection was based on:
Gospel
At that time:
So many people were crowding together
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends,
do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear.
Be afraid of the one who after killing
has the power to cast into Gehenna;
yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.”