Archbishop Sample celebrated Mass last Friday at Jesuit High School in Portland with more than 800 students, family members, and faculty.
In his homily on the day’s Gospel (Mark 12:28–34), where Jesus teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself, the Archbishop reminded students that these two commands always go together.
He noted that regardless of their backgrounds, the students share a great privilege in receiving a high quality education, and with that privilege comes a responsibility to serve others. Reflecting on Pope Leo’s document Dilexit Te, he emphasized Christ’s call to love the poor and those who suffer.
The Archbishop encouraged students to reach out in love to those around them: among their peers, within their families, and in their communities. Charity, he reminded them, is not only about material giving but also about offering genuine care, attention, and compassion.
He concluded by exhorting students to live not only according to their own ambitions and goals, but to keep their hearts attentive to those who are suffering around them
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