“Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 COR 12: 10

 

As we come to the end of another week, the message from God in today’s Mass Readings continues providing a powerful message to live our lives by.  In our First Reading, St. Paul tells us that the Grace of God should be more than enough for us to overcome any weakness we have. St. Paul tells us about how he suffers from a “thorn in the flesh” and even after asking for relief, humbly accepts what God offers him.

The "thorn in the flesh" is a complex and multifaceted concept. It can be often interpreted as a physical ailment, such as poor eyesight, or as a psychological or spiritual challenge that Paul faced.  Some believe that the thorn was a messenger from Satan to keep Paul humble, preventing him from becoming arrogant due to his revelations from God. 

The “thorn in the flesh” is also seen as a symbol of persistent suffering and the challenges we face in life. It represents the difficulties and hardships that we may endure, which can be seen as a test of our Faith and character. Despite these challenges, the “thorn in the flesh” is believed to be a means to virtue and an exercise of virtue.  It is a reminder of our human condition and the importance of humility and reliance on God's strength in the face of life's difficulties. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of suffering, we can find strength and purpose through Faith and reliance on God.

Today, the Universal Church celebrates the life of a Saint who trusted in God’s Grace and Love to live each day to its fullest despite what he was going through.  Jesus, in our Gospel, gives us insight as to how this Saint, as well as each of us, should not worry about tomorrow as today’s own worries should be sufficient for the day.  He also tells us that we cannot serve two masters, money and God.  This advice should also help us understand how important God’s Grace can be in our life.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga was a young man who gave his life to God. He was born in 1568 in Italy to a wealthy and powerful family. Even as a child, he was drawn to prayer and wanted to live for God. When he was still a teenager, after suffering a life-threatening disease at age nine, Aloysius made a bold decision. He decided to give up his inheritance and his family’s wealth. His father wanted him to lead their family and manage their lands. But Aloysius told his father that he wanted to join the Jesuits instead. The Jesuits worked to serve the Church and spread the Gospel.

Saint Aloysius was very serious about his Faith. He gave up his inheritance and wealth to follow Jesus. He prayed often and tried to live a simple and Holy Life. He also helped others, especially the poor and the sick. When a plague broke out in Rome, he worked to care for the sick, even though it was dangerous.

While helping the sick, Aloysius caught the plague himself. He became very ill and died when he was just 23 years old. He accepted his suffering and trusted in God until the end. People were inspired by his holiness and his love for others.  Saint Aloysius is known as the patron saint of young people. His life shows us how to love God and serve others, no matter the cost. 

The choice of Saint Aloysius to leave his wealthy life and become a Jesuit showed his strong Faith. He gave up everything he could have had in the world to follow God’s Call. His life reminds us that true happiness comes from loving and serving God, even with a thorn in our flesh.

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with You and Yours!!

Shalom,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX