Poverty and Purity of Heart

We remember St. Aloysius Gonzaga today, a young man noted for his simplicity and purity of heart.  His love of God was so great that it totally absorbed his focus and energy, so it was not surprising that he entered the Society of Jesus as a young man, and died at the age of 24 while ministering to those stricken by the Plague.  Nothing could blur his vision of Christ in others so he was able to put personal needs and desires behind him in order to serve those in need.  This purity of heart is akin to "poverty of spirit" which Jesus encourages us to embrace:  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." (Mt 5: 3 )
Our Marist Constitutions urge all of us to see the value in such poverty:  "As we follow this road to poverty, wwe find ourselves becoming more and more caring about others, more and more open to God's wonders.  Our simple lifestyle, our constant self-giving, reveal he face of a poor and servant Church, and make us witnesses to the joy which has been promised to the poor in Spirit." (Constitutions, Article 35). In these days when the Church is under such criticism for its failures, if we take up the notion of "a poor and servant Church" and live it in our daily lives, we will help the entire Church rediscover its identity and mission."
Bro. Rene
I will be attending the provincial chapter in Morristown, NJ till Sunday evening, so I will not have access to a computer, I don't think, and thus will not be able to provide a daily slice of bread till Monday.  Please pray for Bro. Ben Consigli and the new provincial council which will be elected and installed at this chapter.  Thank you.