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.
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