Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te: I Have Loved You
- Bishop Stephen J Berg
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
In his first public Exhortation, Delixit te--- I Have Loved You, Pope Leo has announced the foundation of his papacy, a renewal of our commitment to our relationship with Jesus Christ. I wish to quote directly from this document and add some thoughts below. Beginning in chapter one, “A Few Essential Words,” Pope Leo sets the premise for his Exhortation as follows:
“Jesus’ disciples criticized the woman who poured costly perfumed oil on his head. They said: Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.’ However, the Lord said to them in response: ‘You always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me’ (Mt 26:8-9,11). That woman saw in Jesus the lowly and suffering Messiah on whom she could pour out all her love. What comfort that anointing must have brought to the very head that within a few days would be pierced by thorns? It was a small gesture, of course, but those who suffer know how great even a small gesture of affection can be, and how much relief it can bring. Jesus understood this and told the disciples that the memory of her gesture would endure: ‘Wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her” (Mt 26:13). The simplicity of that woman’s gesture speaks volumes. No sign of affection, even the smallest, will ever be forgotten, especially if it is shown to those who are suffering, lonely or in need, as was the Lord at that time.
"Those who suffer know how great even a small gesture of affection can be, and how much relief it can bring."
“Love for the Lord, then, is one with love for the poor. The same Jesus who tells us, ‘The poor you will always have with you’ (MT 26:11), also promises the disciples, ‘I am with you always’ (Mt 28:20). We likewise think of his saying: ‘Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me’ (Mt 25:40). This is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation: contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history. In the poor, he continues to speak to us.”
Pope Leo’s reflections reveal unique insights into the presence of the poor in our midst, where Jesus is to be uniquely encountered. Addressing the concerns of the poor throughout history, societies and ideologies, has never produced a final, practical vision or unified commitment to the goal of eliminating poverty. It is rather a constant concern that we never accept poverty as normalized, nor dismiss it as our last consideration. On both the personal and communal levels, in serving the poor we encounter Jesus and receive his blessings. In that endeavor we are renewed by his own, personal poverty, humility and love.
"Pope Leo’s reflections reveal unique insights into the presence of the poor in our midst, where Jesus is to be uniquely encountered."
Quite possibly that woman anointing the head of Jesus was Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. God was working through her, preparing the disciples, as Jesus was anointed for his burial. That, upon his resurrection, he would be found in company with the poor: The poor will be with you always, and there, essentially, you will find me.
The cold weather will be here soon, and we will be hearing of people in need. When we hear the cry of the poor, may we be alert and prepared to respond. Whatever small gesture of affection or support we may put forward, the Kingdom of God will be proclaimed. May we all come closer into an encounter with Jesus. He is with us always.
To read the full text of Pope Leo’s Exhortation, Dilexi te: I have loved you, please visit:
To read a Special Report on Pope Leo’s Exhortation, Dilexi te, please click below.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo
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