Scripture Readings

• First Reading: Eph 6:10-13, 18

• Responsorial Psalm: Ps 63 (62):2, 3-4, 5-6

• Alleluia Verse: Matt 11:28

• Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11

Reflection on Today’s Feast

By Br. Darrell Burns, SJ

On October 31st we honor Brother Alphonsus Rodriguez, a man who watched the front door for forty-six years at the Jesuit College in Majorca. He did this not because it was the humble thing to do but, simply, because it was the needed thing to be done and he was asked to do it. He had no sense of entitlement or superiority; he served the Lord by joyfully responding to the immediate need.

 He answered the door then stepped into the shadows. Some came to the door seeking food and alms; some came seeking individuals for meetings and business; some came seeking the advice of this kind man --- one of those visitors later became a canonized saint, Saint Peter Claver.

 No matter what they sought or who they were, they were greeted with kindness and compassion. They were all received as Christ “knocking at the door” and the Brother became the vendor of God’s grace.

 Alphonsus did no major deed that the annals of history recorded. He did not die the glorious death of a martyr or preach with golden words; he did not profess his faith in a public forum or even publish articles. He would not have been awarded tenure at any Jesuit university today.

 He simply lived his life one day at a time. An ordinary, even a tedious and dull life. At the same time, a life that was grace-filled; a life that reflected the Divine. The presence of God permeates all creation and is recognized by a sensitivity that sees beyond the immediate, sees below the surface. A vision that is able to peer into eternity and, as a result, lifts the ordinary to the extraordinary.

 The Church, over the ages, raises up for our inspiration individuals who reveal through their life God’s unconditional love. These we call Saints and they remind us that all is a gift from the Creator’s hand and that all that is, is good. Alphonsus is the Saint-Hero of the common, ordinary person; those countless, nameless folks who quietly live out with serenity, peace and joy the cards life deals them each day. Those who constantly seek and find God, and their uncomplicated, gracious lifestyle changes the lives of those who witness it.

 What did Alphonsus accomplish? Nothing…nothing but Eternal Life. Not a bad accomplishment! One in which we are invited to find inspiration and example. It’s not what he did but why he did it. Perhaps these words he wrote in his diary can give us a hint:

 “This is my happiness; this is my pleasure:

To live with Jesus, to walk with Jesus,

To converse with Jesus,

To suffer with and for him, this is my treasure.”

St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, humble patron of Jesuit Brothers, pray for us!

Brother Darrell Burns, SJ, is a member of the St. Claude la Colombière Jesuit Community in Baltimore, MD.