Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga who was a Jesuit priest and martyr who lived in the 16th century. He is known for his devotion to prayer, his love for the Eucharist, and his service to others. Basically, for his overall mastery over himself and his ability to make good choices aided by the grace of God.
In today’s readings, our Lord once again urgently asks us to examine what choices of ours will bring light into our souls and what will bring darkness. It is a battle in our very souls but which has consequences that can be either eternally rewarding or eternally damning. It all boils down to “the choices” we make and the kinds of treasure we seek.
As stated in the Vatican II Missal:
“We read one of the most shameful episodes in the history of Judah. Around 837 BC the wicked queen mother Athaliah seized power. The high priest Jehoiada led a revolution, put the young Davidic King Joash on the throne and renewed the covenant with God.”
This passage is from 2 Kings 11:1-16 and describes a pivotal event in the history of ancient Israel. Here's a brief historical background:
- The story takes place during the reign of King Ahaziah (around 842-841 BCE), the son of King Jehoram and grandson of King Jehoshaphat. Ahaziah was a wicked king who followed the evil ways of his father and grandfather.
- Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, was a daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel who promoted idolatry and Baal worship. When Ahaziah died, Athaliah seized the opportunity to take control of the throne and began to massacre all the royal family members to eliminate any potential rivals.
However, Jehosheba, Ahaziah's sister and a godly woman, secretly took her nephew Joash (Ahaziah's son) and hid him in the temple, where he remained for six years while Athaliah ruled as queen.
- In the seventh year, Jehoiada, a priest and a loyal supporter of David's dynasty, orchestrated a coup against Athaliah. He gathered the temple guards and the Carians (a group of mercenaries) and had them swear an oath to support Joash's claim to the throne.
- The plot unfolded with Jehoiada presenting Joash to the guards and having him crowned king. Athaliah was caught off guard and attempted to rally her supporters, but she was eventually forced out of the temple and put to death at the horse gate of the royal palace.
- With Athaliah's death, Jehoiada took control of the government and implemented reforms to purify Jerusalem and restore worship to the Lord. He also destroyed the temple of Baal and eliminated its priest, Mattan.
This passage is significant because it marks a turning point in the history of Judah, as it returns to a more faithful allegiance to God after years of apostasy under Athaliah's rule. It also sets the stage for Joash's reign, which will be marked by some positive developments but ultimately ends in disaster due to his own corruption.
In today’s gospel, our Lord warns that we are all susceptible to the temptations of wicked desires.
“Jesus said to his disciples (which by extension means all of us):
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be."
Our Lord speaks of that which emanates from us. Some people call it an “aura” or a vibe we give. While we cannot judge a person or a book by its cover, we do nevertheless pick up on certain emanations that radiate from people. And we know ourselves that we radiate what we are feeling a lot of times—that what is on the inside is made manifest in some way in our thoughts, words, and actions. This is what Jesus is teaching us to focus on. What’s on our inside.
“…if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be."
That light that is within us doesn’t just get there over night. It is formed by the many little choices we make throughout our lives in our daily living. And the kind of divine light we wish to emanate to others, in other words, God’s goodness and kindness, will only come about in us through his grace which is received, nourished, and sustained through prayer. The more we pray, the more magnificent the light. Remember Moses, who would meet God in the tent of meeting in the Old Testament or on Mount Sinai, and when he would approach the people soon afterwards he’d have to cover his face for it would glow with light? So too is the effect on a soul who basks in the radiant splendour of God’s presence in serious prayer. And remember, this doesn’t always mean we know what to say, or that we have the perfect words or prayer plans, for sometimes the best kind of prayer is just to connect with our Lord in silence. We know he’s there, and that is enough for us.
Saint Aloysius' life was marked by his detachment from worldly attachments and his commitment to serving others. He was known for his ability to live in the present moment, fully surrendering to God's will and trusting in His providence.
My dear friends, may our treasure always be the God who wishes to love us and be with us and May you be blessed this day and always. Amen.
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