St. Aloysius Gonzaga

posted in: Homilies, Saints | 0

Today’s readings

St. Aloysius Gonzaga was a well-connected young man who lived during the Renaissance. His father longed for him to become a military hero, and brought him up in the court society. But Aloysius was affected from an early age by a desire to become one with God, and often practiced great penance and asceticism. By age eleven, he was teaching catechism to poor children, and fasting three times a week. I don’t really remember what I was doing at age eleven, but I know my piety was not nearly as advanced as Aloysius! He eventually decided he would like to join the Jesuits, but had to wage a four-year battle with his father, who eventually relented and let him forsake his right to succession and join the novitiate.

Sometimes our plans, for ourselves or for others, are far different than the plans God has for us.  Today’s Gospel urges us to enter through the narrow gate.  It might be far easier to do what we want with our lives, but only when we find that narrow gate of God’s will for us, will we be truly happy.  Just like St. Aloysius, we have to ask what God wants of us, and follow it with all our hearts.