Homily for the Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

Today's Gospel reading highlights the two commandments that Jesus says are the greatest: love of God and love of neighbor. No matter how often we hear these words, we are struck by their demands on us.

Loving our neighbor as ourselves sounds very nice until we get a good look at some of our neighbors or co-workers. You know well that some folks out there push every one of our buttons. There are people out there who can be rude, selfish, and downright unbearable. But we're called to love them anyway. We are called upon to follow the example of Jesus, who hung on the Cross, looked at the people who nailed him to it, and said, "Father, forgive them…"

It may seem impossible to show love to those we encounter in the most challenging circumstances, but it is precisely in these moments, when we strive to do God's will, that we often experience the love of God most profoundly. This love doesn't come from either person but from God, residing deep within us. It is a love we tap into when we act in accordance with God's teachings, a love that can transform even the most difficult situations.