October 31

Today is… the feast of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez.

Alphonsus was married at 26, but his wife died when he was 31. All 3 of his children also died within a few years and so at the age of 40 he became a Jesuit. His health was poor, so he was assigned to be the porter of the new Jesuit college at Majorca. For 46 years he answered the door, greeted visitors, delivered messages, ran errands and distributed alms to beggars at the door. What set him apart was that he said he imagined that whoever was on the other side of the door was Jesus. He became such a godly person that he developed a counseling ministry to students and citizens who would come to the door to talk with him. Eventually he was invited to preach in the college dining room. No one would leave, even if he spoke overlong, because the students were so drawn to his godly perspective and advice.

Tonight it's Halloween and kids are knocking on my door. Actually they're ringing the doorbell. But tonight is unusual. Most people don't knock on a door. They call my phone or send me an email or text me. Do I imagine that they are Jesus?

What affects my imagination? Am I inclined to be suspicious of people because that's how my parents taught me to interact with the world? Or am I cautious because I've been hurt by too many people? Do I groan inwardly when I see an email or voicemail from a particular person?

And what do I aspire to be? Even at this later stage in my life, I imagine myself doing big things, supposedly for God. But if I'm honest, I want to do these things for my own selfish reasons. I'm humbled by Alphonsus Rodriguez. He accepted his role as a porter and used the simple opportunity for greeting people at the door to spread the love of Jesus.

Ube caritas, Deus ibi est. Live in love, God will live in you.