Memorial of Saint Alphonsus
Ligouri, bishop and doctor of the Church
(Exodus 33:7-11.34:5b-9.28; Matthew 13:36-43)
Adoration has become again a central feature of Catholic
devotion. Almost abandoned for decades, most
parishes are now designating parts of days, whole days, and even ongoing days for
praying before the Blessed Sacrament. Chapels
on college campuses as well often have regular hours of Eucharistic devotion. Evidently people today just as in Moses’ time
according to today’s first reading feel the need to commune with the Lord.
The reading specifies that the meeting tent was open to
everyone. What is more, when Moses
entered the tent, everyone would pray before his or her own tent. As one commentator says, “Everyone’s life was
oriented toward meeting God.” No doubt,
they share with the Lord both personal and communal needs. They want to know God’s will for them and
also seek His help in carrying out their responsibilities.
Today the Church honors St. Alphonsus Ligouri, an
eighteenth century theologian and bishop. More than most St. Alphonsus was able to
clarify what God expects of people. When
we go to him in prayer, he will help us to find our way to God.
