Daily Reflection Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious

We remember today the young sixteenth century Jesuit saint, Aloysius Gonzaga. Although as a child, he was being groomed for a high rank in the Holy Roman Empire, Aloysius made his own choice of lifestyle and destination. In his desire to serve God he became fastidious and strict with self-inflicted corporal penances. Through the guidance of his spiritual director, the Jesuit Robert Bellarmine, Aloysius developed a deep and single-hearted love for God that extended to others. His generosity with his time and talents helped so many, especially those suffering from the plague. Aloysius also became a victim of this plague and died at the young age of twenty-three.

    The theme of generosity runs through today’s Scripture readings. Even at a young age, Aloysius sought out those in need. He gave his time, his service, and eventually his life. Jesus is sharing with us wisdom. We may not be asked to give our lives in service to others, but both Paul and Jesus encourage us to be generous with our lives’ experiences, resources, and prayer. 

    The opposite of generosity is to be “me centered.” Such people are generally insecure and need to boast about their own story. Jesus tells us that these people have already received their reward. But our lives are not about self-centeredness. No, so much of Jesus’ words, Scripture, and the lives of the saints encourage us to be giving people. We can be giving in so many ways.

Sure, donating money to those in need is always a generous option. We can smile at the clerk who is bagging our groceries or give a helping hand to the elderly or incapacitated person struggling to get out of the car. We can give our time to visit the lonely people we know. When we are alone with God in our conversation—we call this prayer—we ask to be aware of and to give of our time, our energy, our positive thoughts. In our ordinary day, there is an abundance of opportunities for us to live what both Jesus and Paul instruct us to do today—and what Aloysius did.

    Below are photos of thirteen real- life situations that a friend sent to me. I share them with you, because they illustrate how we can be generous with the gifts that God has given us. Please scroll down.