Homily for the Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

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

Loving our neighbor as ourselves sounds lovely until we look closely at some of those neighbors or co-workers. We all know that some individuals can easily get under our skin. Some people can be rude, selfish, and even unbearable. Yet, we are still called to love them. We are called to follow the example of Jesus, who, while hanging on the Cross and looking at the very people who nailed him there, said, "Father, forgive them..."

It may seem impossible to show love to those we encounter in challenging circumstances. Still, precisely during these moments—when we strive to do God's will—we often experience God's love most profoundly. This love does not originate from either person but from God, residing deep within us. It is a love we can access when we act according to God's teachings; it is a love capable of transforming even the most difficult circumstances.