Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Rose of Lima, Virgin, the first canonized saint of the Americas.
The first reading is taken from Ruth 2:1–3, 8–11 and 4:13–17. The responsorial psalm is Psalm 128: “Indeed, thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord.” The Gospel is from Matthew 23:1–12.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks strongly against the scribes and Pharisees. He tells the crowds and his disciples: “Do whatever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but do not practice.” They lay heavy burdens on others but will not lift a finger to help. They love places of honor and public recognition, but their lives do not reflect the very truths they teach.
A story is told of a priest who once preached passionately about love and forgiveness. Yet only days later he was found filled with anger and bitterness. When confronted by his parishioners, he replied, “Do what I say, not what I do.” Dear friends, how often have we been guilty of the same? Our words may be true, even noble, but if our lives contradict them, those words lose their power.
Jesus challenges us to be leaders, whether in the Church, in our families, or in our communities, who lead by example. A good leader does not stand behind and say, “Go.” A good leader takes the first step and says, “Follow me.” Parents, for example, are the first teachers of their children. If they urge their children to pray but never pray themselves, their words will not convince. Children learn by imitation more than by instruction.
The same is true for all of us. We may teach what is good, but our teaching carries true weight only when people see us live it out. Words and deeds must go hand in hand. When they do, there is integrity, credibility, and grace. But when they do not, our speech becomes empty.
Today, as we honor St. Rose of Lima, we see an example of one whose life matched her devotion. Born in Lima, Peru, in 1586, she was known for her beauty and called “Rose” because of her radiant complexion. From her youth she practiced penance, prayer, and charity, inspired by St. Catherine of Siena. At age 15, she received the habit of the Dominican Third Order and lived a life of humility and service, caring for the sick and spending long hours in prayer. She died in 1617 and became the first saint of the Americas.
St. Rose did not only speak of holiness, she lived it. That is why her life continues to inspire us centuries later.
Let us pray, then, for the grace to live what we speak. May our words of encouragement, advice, and teaching be confirmed by the witness of our lives. Through the intercession of St. Rose of Lima, may our words and actions shine together as a light for others. Amen 🙏
God bless you
Have a wonderful weekend
Pal Ronnie
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