The Memorial of St Alphonsus Liguori

Ex. 40:16-21.34-38, Mt. 13:47-53. The Holy Tent of Meeting was the precursor of the Temple of God, which was the centre of the entire community of Israel, where the Altar of God was placed and where the whole community revolves around. In today's first reading, Moses takes the advantage of the Tent to comply to the directives of God. At last, the Tent became the place of the indwelling of the glory of God and the people enjoy the continuous presence of God. We need the presence of God in a world where evil exists. Comparing the Kingdom to a net which holds fish of every kind in today's Gospel, Jesus asserts the co-existence of good and evil, in individual, family, Church or society and the need to fight against these evil forces. Their co-existence reveals the patience of God as He gives us equal opportunities of conversion.

Through the parable, Jesus wants us to be open and find possible opportunities to influence the world with our inner goodness. St Alphonsus Liguori whose memorial we celebrate influenced his world with his inner goodness and in his efforts to bring the lost souls to the right track. St Alphonsus Liguori is a great figure filled with faith, sincerity and devotion to God, who can be a great example for us of how we ought to live our lives with a genuine faith in God. Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorist, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, was once a lawyer, but after spending a few years in the profession, found his true calling in serving God and embraced the call to the Priesthood. As a Priest, he reached out to the poor and marginalised in the society, gathering them and managed to gain many people to return to faith.

As we begin this new month, may the light of Christ rise in our hearts and shine forth in charity to our world, so that what we do and say may be for our good and the good of the world! Amen!! Good morning and have a productive month!!!