This has been an amazing week having the Holy Father here in the historic cities of our country. There are so many unforgettable memories that I will have of this visit. Today’s homily ties some of my experiences together with the message in our readings today.

I have heard so many people excited this week and emotionally moved by the Holy Father. The real question is, “Now what?” It is not enough to “like” the Pope or to feel happy thoughts about him. We have to act. If the Pope’s visit doesn’t result in our living more faithfully as disciples of Jesus then it will have no lasting value. Pope Francis himself gave us our marching orders at the Mass in Washington: “Go out… announce the Gospel… always moving forward”

Now that the Holy Father has given us such a beautiful example of a missionary going out, it’s our turn. We too must go out. If we want this visit to really make a difference, then we’ve to to go out and announce the Gospel, always moving forward.