Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, religious
St. Aloysius Gonzaga died rich in the eyes of God, however poor in the sight of many in the world. He gave up a claim to his family’s fortune to become a Jesuit. As a religious, he dedicated himself to caring for the victims of the plague which was racking Italy in the late sixteenth century. Eventually he contracted the disease and died from it. His willingness to give himself completely out of love for Christ amply illustrates today’s first reading.
St. Paul is urging the Corinthians to be generous in his collection for the Christians in Jerusalem. He tells them that they will reap what they sow. If they make great sacrifices, they will receive great rewards. Because God gives eternal life as well as harvests, they will not be disappointed for their efforts.
We may tire of being pestered by charities. As we hear of donor names being passed from one organization to another, we may not want to contribute to any. Let us not make such a decision out of frustration, however. Rather let us pray for the grace to make prudent use of our resources for the good of the needy.
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