Łukasz Bankowski – Vatican
Love that demands courage
“He who does not decide to love forever will find it difficult to truly love even for a single day,” said St. John Paul II during Holy Mass for families in Córdoba. This was one of the most eloquent sentences of his homily, delivered during his apostolic journey to Latin America in 1987.
Today, nearly four decades later, the same place has once again become the setting for a papal Eucharist. This time with the participation of Leo XIV, who is visiting Argentina during his apostolic journey.
The future of humanity passes through the family
St. John Paul II reminded Argentines that marriage is not merely a human agreement, but a vocation that requires daily care. He recalled one of the most famous sentences from his apostolic exhortation Familiaris consortio: “The future of humanity passes by way of the family!”
“How great is your mission, fathers and mothers of families!” – he addressed those gathered. He emphasized that marital love is at once a great gift and a great commitment. It is not enough to simply preserve it. It must be constantly developed, even when difficulties arise.
“True love, following the example of Christ, entails total self-giving, not selfishness. It always seeks the good of the beloved person,” the Pope taught.
Time best spent
The homily also included very concrete indications regarding daily life. St. John Paul II warned against reversing the hierarchy of values, when professional, social, or political matters overshadow duties toward loved ones.
“The best spent time is that which we dedicate to our wives, husbands, and children,” he said.
Pointing to the Holy Family of Nazareth, he reminded that even the simplest household chores can become a place of encounter with God. He encouraged every Christian family to be an “oasis of peace” where, despite daily hardships, one can experience sincere love and a living faith.
Love is proven in difficulties
The Polish Pope argued that the true value of love is revealed not when everything comes easily, but in moments of trial.
“It is great and authentic not only when everything seems easy and pleasant, but above all when it is confirmed in life’s trials, much like gold tested in fire,” he emphasized.
He also called upon families to have courage: “Take up with commitment and courage the fight for love.” He explained that it begins with overcoming selfishness and misunderstandings within one’s own home.
Two pontificates, the same place
The Holy Mass celebrated by Leo XIV in Córdoba evokes the memory of John Paul II’s meeting with Argentine families on April 8, 1987. Although almost 40 years have passed since that event, the words of the Polish Pope about love, responsibility, and the family remain relevant.
Concluding his homily, John Paul II addressed spouses and parents: “Love one another!” He encouraged them to ask Mary and St. Joseph for help in remaining faithful to the vocation they received.
“May God guide you!” – with these words he concluded his message to Argentine families.
