THE EXAMPLE OF ST. ALOYSIUS
Today’s
Gospel passage contains three isolated teachings of Jesus. They are
simply tied together. As part of our reflection, we may take an
illustration for these teachings from the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga,
whose feast we celebrate today.
He is the one-time patron saint of the youth, a young man who lived and died in the 16th century.
Nevertheless he is still relevant nowadays. He need not be overshadowed
by the likes of “newer” young saints like Dominic Savio and Pedro
Calungsod, for each of them have their own uniqueness.
We can learn a lot from St. Aloysius. He chose to “enter the narrow
gate,” to use the Gospel imagery today. He may have given in to his
noble father’s ambition by training in the art of war and by attending
military parades and royal banquets. But disappointed as he was by the
vices of the nobility then, he developed an intense desire for religious
life. He undertook radical penances and practices of prayer. Eventually
in 1585, notwithstanding the furious opposition of his father, Aloysius
renounced his inheritance and entered the Society of Jesus in Rome. He
would often desire to humble himself, particularly by assuming duties
in the kitchen.
Certainly it wasn’t a case of “throwing pearls before swine.” Aloysius
radically lived a life of holiness through the narrow road of
renunciation and sacrifice. Enduring the hardships implied therein —
including an early death preceded by months of suffering from the plague
which he contracted while serving the sick — he eventually found
eternal life.
May both Jesus’ teachings and St. Aloysius’ example inspire and strengthen us. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
REFLECTION
QUESTION: Today, read about the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga or any of
the saints. Pick one trait of that saint that you would like to emulate.
Thank You, Lord, for all the saints who have gone before us. May we learn to imitate their godly virtues. Amen.
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