Friday, August 23, 2019


Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima, virgin

(Ruth 1:1.3-6.14b-66.22; Matthew 22:34-40)

The significance of today’s readings may be found in the life of St. Rose of Lima.  She completely dedicated herself to God and neighbor.  Like Ruth she would never abandon the Lord who created her.  Rose demonstrated her love for God by fasting and other penitential acts.  She also took care of the needy by making of her small quarters an infirmary for the sick.

There are many women like Rose of Lima.  One lived in a resort city of Cuba.  She organized a charity service that brought dozens of infirm people a breakfast of coffee, cereal and milk every day.  She also took care of her mother who was in a persistent vegetative state.  She kept the aged woman clean and maintained the feeding tube which gave her mother sustenance. 

It is often a trying task to love both God and neighbor.  Even today with all the conveniences at our disposal such love challenges us.  Sometimes, unfortunately, the conveniences divert us from giving ourselves to others in love.  We stand in the need of God’s assistance to fulfill the commands He imposes.  We must never forget that the commands are given in love.  By them God prepares us for eternal life.