ST ALOYSIUS GONZAGA, MEMORIAL, WEDNESDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, JUNE 21, 2023

MASS READINGS:

Responsorial Psalm Ps 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 9

R. (1b) Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

Gospel

Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

"And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."

REFLECTION

Physical laws enforce their own applications and consequences.

One can tell if you have eaten too much if you gain weight. If you stay out in the three digit Texas heat, dehydration, sunburn and later on skin cancer will tell what you have done.

If you respond in fear, it becomes easier to be fearful. If you work on being courageous, then it is easier to respond with courage next time around.

Such is with sin. A sinful life can become a habit and therefore obfuscate our path to heaven. With time, our conscience and repentance grow and we can see the full depth of what we have done. May we not be too late in undoing its deadly effect on our souls. "Blessed the man who fears the Lord." (Palm 112)

Jesus teaches us not to perform righteous deeds in order to be seen. Nor give alms so we can be praised. Nor pray so that our piety can be in full view of others.

Instead do all so that only He knows. And our wonderful Father will reward us, because He knows we do it all for Him.

St Aloysius Gonzaga was a saint who showed us how to live life in helping people. He gave up his family treasures. He cared for patients during the plague, begging for alms along with them. He died at the age of 23.

God bless you