Today is a memorial to St. Alphonsus Liguori. St. Alphonsus is not a saint who quickly comes to mind, but reading and reflecting on his faith and sacrifice are noteworthy for me. He had a brilliant law career that came to an end due to a simple mistake at a trial. Thanks to his "loss," he heard the Lord's call and brought his abundant gifts to the Church and became the beloved founder and pastor of the Most Holy Redeemer order, known as the Redemptorists.
Reflecting on the daily readings and the ministry of St. Alphonsus Liguori, we are reminded that in order to respond to the call of doing the divine will, we must first offer ourselves to "hear the Lord's call" to go in peace to do whatever God ordains or wills. This command is most difficult to follow in times of adversity, stress or loss. But we can learn to ask that God's will be done, even through adversity and injustice, and persecution. God's will, not ours, is always the way to peace.
Sophie Jorgensen
More about St. Alphonsus Liguori:
Biography: https://redemptorists.net/redemptorists/saints/alphonsus/
Redemptorists: https://redemptorists.net/
Novena: https://redemptorists.net/features/novena-to-st-alphonsus/