Optional Memorials of Saint Louis of France and Saint Joseph Calasanz
Both of today’s saints illustrate the importance of focusing our Christian lives on love of God and neighbor. Saint Louis was king of France in the 13th Century, the only French monarch to be declared a saint. His life demonstrates his intense focus, from childhood through marriage and kingship, on loving one another as Jesus loves us. His unconditional love for others expressed his love of God.
Joseph Calasanz (died 1648) was a Spanish priest who became a scholar and taught the faith in Rome, working closely also with the sick and the dying. He founded a community of like-minded men who realized that their faith demanded that they give themselves to all they met, that they strengthen others in the faith, that they stay focused and refused to be distracted by the kind of nonsense Our Lord condemns in the scribes and Pharisees of his time, who were supposed to inspire people to love God and neighbor.
Jesus cries “Woe” over these hypocrites who were more concerned for their own wealth and position than for the welfare of their followers. The scribes and Pharisees choose to distract rather than to instruct.
In the opening verses of his first letter to converts, to the Thessalonians who were among the first Greeks to welcome Paul to Europe, Paul always instructs and never distracts. He praises the converts for their acceptance and enthusiastic sharing of the Christian good news with their neighbors. Our chaotic modern world constantly threatens to distract us from our Christian discipleship. As we ponder today’s readings, we can recommit ourselves to living and spreading the faith of Paul and all who have followed.
Prayer:
O God, you have prepared for those who love you good things which no eye can see. Fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of your love, so that, loving you in all things and above all things, we may attain your promises, which surpass every human desire. Amen. (Collect of today’s Mass)
