Kingdom Zeal
Fervorinos for Saints • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 1 viewEmulate Aloysius' fervor, not the manner in which he expressed it.
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Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
Criticism
Criticism
Aloysius gets ignored a lot these days.
Our modern understanding of psychology and human development
has led many people to belittle
the very strict and penitential nature of Saint Aloysius’ piety.
In light of what we know today,
we might be able to suggest a devotion which would spare
both his spirit and his health.
But consider,
neither Aloysius nor his parents knew anything of our modern world;
they lived their faith in the understanding common to their own era,
and this kind of piety was considered right and holy.
If we choose not to live our faith in the same way,
we still must allow that Aloysius was living his faith
the best way he knew how;
out of a love of God and desire to serve similar to ours
(but, maybe more intense).
Considering my motivation …
Considering my motivation …
I’m still wondering about it.
It would take a better psychologist than me
to decipher why I was so strongly drawn to celebrate this memorial,
but the urge to do so was very strong.
(No doubt, someone in the room will come forward with a suggestion.)
Two notes on Aloysius’ Devotional practise
Two notes on Aloysius’ Devotional practise
He was a very headstrong young man.
His father, a military commander and provincial ruler,
prepared Aloysius to succeed him: to command and rule.
He was was probably also ruthless in his effort at persuasion.
A. was equally determined to follow his own path;
in the end, he prevailed over his father’s wishes.
It was probably that training plus his own drive that led him to
such severe and punishing devotional practises.
His Jesuit novice masters ordered him
to be more moderate and less severe with himself:
to fast less, and enjoy more recreation with his classmates.
He obeyed them.
He also obeyed when they forbade him to care for plague victims
when his health became shaky.
What’s my point?
What’s my point?
Admire A. for his zeal to work for those who truly needed help;
Remember your own youth: the purity and intensity of the zeal you had then.
Ask for A.’s intercession to
2 Timothy 1:6 (ESV-CE)
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
(Paul’s instruction to Timothy)
June 21, 2023 Saint Aloysius Gonzaga OT Week 11 Wednesday 1