September 17, St. Robert Bellarmine

How great are the works of the Lord!--Psalm 111:2

Mass readings: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 / Luke 7:36-50

A Heart Like the Master's

Robert Bellarmine, the saint we celebrate today, must have read today's Gospel passage often during his 79 years. St. Robert, a 16th-century Jesuit, was a brilliant theologian, teacher, cardinal and Doctor of the Church. But he also understood that Christ's message was simple. Jesus came to teach about compassionate love.

That's the kind of love Jesus shows in today's Gospel story about the sinful woman who washed, dried and anointed His feet. According to law, being touched by a sinful woman contaminated a Jewish man. Jesus knew that but when He saw the woman's love, He forgave and honored her. St. Robert's heart was like his Master's. He lived simply, fasted, gave alms and once had expensive tapestries taken down and made into clothing for the poor. ''The walls won't catch cold,'' he explained.

Prayer: St. Robert Bellarmine, beg God to fill our hearts with His compassion and love.