Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, religious
“And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.” (Mt 6:23) I am struck by Jesus’ metaphors in our gospel today. I’m particularly drawn to the destruction of moths and decay. Some cultures see moths as symbols of death and believe they bring messages from the afterlife. Last week, we were visiting family in Wisconsin where my cousin recently experienced the frustration of having moths get into her pantry and closet, wreaking havoc on many of the items stored within. Today, we are encouraged to “store up treasures in heaven.” (19) How? Let the light of Christ come in.
There are many physical things that we acquire throughout our lifetime. We become owners of a lot of stuff–cell phones, cars, TVs, video games, and many other fancy items and gadgets. It becomes difficult to say no to our wants. And these treasures can become a distraction, drawing our attention away from the opportunities to invest in heavenly treasures–prayer, time with family, getting to know our neighbors, volunteering. What is it that we cherish? Where do we place the greatest value in our life? What are our most precious possessions? Am I able to let go of wants to provide for others’ needs? When we die, all that we have acquired here on earth remains. It is the acts of goodness, love, mercy, and kindness that we store up for heaven. It is the giving away of self that makes us rich.
I can think of no better person who lived as a light to the world than St. Aloysius of Gonzaga, whose memorial we celebrate today. Growing up in a wealthy family, he was known for his love of prayer and fasting. He had plenty of treasure in this world but through his ascetic lifestyle, he focused on storing treasures in heaven. As a saint who fasted, scourged himself, frequently sought solitude and prayer, and worked intently to renounce his right to succession of a life of nobility, he exemplifies the line “where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (21). As a result of serving at a hospital, caring for victims of a plague epidemic, Aloysius himself became ill and died shortly thereafter. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life in service of others–no better way to think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, and act like Jesus. As we pray about heavenly treasures today, may we appreciate the beautiful gifts that our good God has bestowed upon us. May our eyes be sound, so that our loving and merciful God can fill our whole body with light that we may shine brightly for the world.
Peace,
Brandon