Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). This comment is so counterintuitive in a world that espouses: “might makes right “. No one wants to appear foolish. We don’t speak to one another for fear of sounding ignorant. We insult and intimidate people to conceal our vulnerability. We put on masks to make sure no one knows what we are thinking, creating an art form of politically correct non-communication. Yet, it was when the Beloved Son was rejected, stripped naked, beaten and mocked, and nailed to the cross by people who exercised power that he showed himself to be the true master of creation.

The apostle to the Gentiles was content in facing weakness, insults, hardships, persecution, and imprisonment for the sake of Christ. Love is stronger than death (CF. Song 8:6). When the soldier’s spear pierced Christ’s lifeless body, a fountain of living and life-giving water flowed out. From deep within the person who drinks from or bathes in this fountain, a stream of living water will well up. The Fire of Divine Love burst from the Savior’s wounded heart, transforming all who are consumed by its flame into the light of the world. Christ’s weakness manifested the power of the Father’s love. Our weakness manifests the power of God’s grace.

“Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Ps. 34:8). We discover the source of true power when we rely on God’s strength and love. Christ’s self-emptying brought us forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with the Father, the promise of eternal life, and communion with the Trinity. Walking in the footsteps of the Beloved Son, we come to know the Father’s love, especially when we are most vulnerable.

From what riches, blessed Lord, to what poverty did you descend for our sakes,

And to what riches have you brought us through your poverty?

(Charles Haddon Spurgeon)