Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

Faith, Forgiveness, and the Courage to Lead

Today’s Gospel from Luke 17:1-6 presents us with a challenging yet deeply consoling teaching from Jesus. He speaks about three significant realities of the Christian life: the seriousness of scandal, the call to forgiveness, and the power of faith. And as we reflect on these words, we also celebrate the Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, a man whose life and teaching beautifully illuminate these very themes.

Jesus begins by warning His disciples about the danger of causing others to sin. He says it would be better to have a millstone hung around one’s neck and be thrown into the sea than to lead one of the little ones astray. This is a sobering reminder of the weight of our example. Our actions, our words, our attitudes—they all have the power to build up or to tear down. As followers of Christ, we are called to be sources of encouragement, not stumbling blocks. Saint Leo the Great understood this deeply. As pope during a time of great turmoil and confusion, he used his teaching and leadership to guide the Church firmly in truth, never compromising the Gospel, always seeking to protect the faith of the little ones.

Then Jesus speaks of forgiveness. He tells us that if someone sins against us and repents, we must forgive—not once, but even seven times in a day. This kind of forgiveness is not easy. It demands patience, humility, and grace. But it is the path of true discipleship. Saint Leo, in his writings, often spoke of the mercy of God and the dignity of every person redeemed by Christ. He knew that forgiveness was not a weakness but a reflection of God’s own heart.

Hearing this call to radical forgiveness, the apostles say to Jesus, ‘Increase our faith!’ They realize that such love and mercy are only possible through divine help. And Jesus responds with a powerful image: even faith the size of a mustard seed can do great things. Faith, even when it feels small, can move mountains when it is placed in God.

Saint Leo the Great was a man of such faith. Faced with heresies, invasions, and internal divisions, he stood firm. His famous encounter with Attila the Hun, where he persuaded the invader to turn back from Rome, is a testament not just to his courage, but to his deep trust in God’s providence. He believed that with God, all things are possible—even the protection of a vulnerable city through the strength of faith and prayer.

So today, let us take these words of Jesus to heart. Let us examine our lives: are we helping others grow in faith, or are we a cause of stumbling? Are we quick to forgive, or do we hold on to resentment? And do we trust that even our small faith, when placed in God’s hands, can bear great fruit?

Through the intercession of Saint Leo the Great, may we be strengthened in faith, courageous in truth, and generous in mercy. May our lives reflect the love and power of Christ, who calls us to holiness and walks with us every step of the way.