Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, religious
(II Corinthians 11:18.21-30; Matthew 6:19-23)
A wise preacher told the story of how every Christian
must carry her or his cross. Some
complain that theirs is too heavy, but when they exchange it for another, they
learn that theirs was not that onerous after all. Today’s saint and first reading speak of two
Christians with very different types of cross but born with similar grace.
St. Aloysius Gonzaga came from a privileged
background. He was willing to give up
wealth for the strict life of a Jesuit. However,
God called him to Himself after only a few years of faithful formation. St. Paul by contrast suffered much through many
years of rigorist service. He catalogues
his trials in today’s first reading -- lashings, beatings, stoning, shipwreck,
exposure to the elements, etc. His purpose is not to boast of his endurance,
but to show how Christ sustains him.
Rather than complain about the troubles we have, we much
more profitably should pray to bear with them.
There is usually another bearing a greater burden which may humble
us. But more to the point, our prayers
unite us to Christ who always eases our suffering.
