Optional Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima, virgin
(Ezekiel 37:1-14; Matthew 2:34-40)
Many people noted Rose of Lima’s physical beauty both as a
baby and as a maiden. However, it was
her spiritual loveliness that gave her universal attention. She loved the Lord so much that she underwent
constant penances like wearing a crown of thorns. She serves as a model of how Jesus responds
to the scholar’s question of the greatest commandment.
Rose spent much of her time as a recluse in the hermitage
she built near her parents’ house. She
also took care of poor children and the elderly sick. Her charity did not escape the attention of
the people of Lima. When she died at the
tender age of thirty-one in 1617, the entire city, it is said, attended her
funeral.
Rose exemplifies how the commandments to love God and love
neighbor go hand-in-hand. When we love
God with all our heart, we will express our love in different ways, especially by
loving other humans. And when we assist
others out of love, we will need to call upon God in prayer for help.
