Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787). He had many gifts and talents: he was a spiritual writer, a musician, a composer, an artist, a poet, a lawyer, a philosopher, a theologian, a Catholic priest and a bishop. In 1732, he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, otherwise known as the Redemptorists, an Order of priests and brothers who are particularly respected for preaching retreats and as confessors.
The gospel passage that is particular to this Memorial contains the words of Jesus who compares his disciples to salt for the earth and light for the world (Mt 5:13-14). In these words, the Lord encourages all of us to be aware of the talents and gifts we have been given, and to pay particular attention to the ways in which we use these talents to change the world around us. This change often comes about in small ways, sometimes even unrecognized ways, but we must trust that by changing little things, we can also bring the special light of the gospel to life.
Today, let us ask Saint Alphonsus Liguori to pray with us, that like him, we too might grow increasingly aware of the ways in which each of our brothers and sisters shares the light of their faith with us, and the subtle and not so subtle ways in which the light of faith that is proclaimed and shared can and does change the world around us.
Have a great day.
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