A Homily for the Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Friday, August 1, 2025
Prince of Peace Catholic Church – 8:00 Mass
Romans 8:1-4; Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; Matthew 5:13-19
Audio Recording
On this First Friday we honor Saint Alphonsus Liguori — bishop, Doctor of the Church, and founder of the Redemptorists, a worldwide society of missionary priests and brothers. St. Alphonsus was a brilliant theologian, a compassionate pastor, and a fearless defender of God’s mercy. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” Saint Alphonsus lived these Christian characteristics with remarkable faithfulness.
Born into nobility in the area of Naples, Italy in 1696, Alphonsus began his career as a very successful lawyer. But one day, after a devastating loss in court, he left the legal profession and entered the priesthood, dedicating his life to serving the poor and forgotten. In doing so, he became what Jesus called “a lamp set on a lampstand,” bringing the light of Christ to those in darkness.
Our first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans speaks powerfully of the freedom we all have in Christ: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus… For the law of the Spirit of life… has freed you.” Alphonsus believed this deeply. He saw the Gospel not as a list of rules, but as a path to healing, freedom, and joy.
During his time, a heresy called Jansenism had spread throughout the Church. Jansenism was condemned by the Church as heresy because it distorted Catholic teaching on grace, free will, and God’s mercy. It taught that human nature was so corrupt that only a select few were predestined for salvation. Jansenists emphasized God’s justice over His mercy, discouraged frequent Communion, and portrayed God as distant and severe. This led many people to fear God rather than love Him.
Alphonsus responded with the heart of a true pastor. He countered Jansenism with teaching rooted in mercy, prayer, and hope. He taught that God desires the salvation of all, and that no one is beyond the reach of grace.
He encouraged frequent reception of the sacraments and often reminded people, “He who prays is saved; he who does not pray is damned.” For Alphonsus, prayer was the doorway to God’s love.
He wrote a classic book called “Talking With God” on the interior life stressing the importance of prayer and the ease with which we can speak with God. In this book he explains that God listens to our prayers, how He answers us, and how to have God’s Presence with us throughout our day.
He also wrote a nine-volume work called Moral Theology (Theologia Moralis), which is still studied today. This classic work helped people understand how to follow God’s commandments with confidence, not fear — that even in weakness, God’s grace is sufficient to raise us up.
Psalm 119 today says, “Lord, teach me your statutes.” Alphonsus made this his lifelong prayer. Through preaching, writing, and spiritual direction, he helped countless souls understand the joy of living according to God’s law — not as a burden, but as the path to peace.
One of Alphonsus’ greatest contributions to the Church was his devotion to the Eucharist. He saw the Blessed Sacrament as the living heart of Christ’s love. Even in his old age, crippled by arthritis and nearly paralyzed, he would be wheeled into the chapel to spend hours in adoration. His love for the Eucharist reminds us that Jesus is still with us, offering us strength and consolation.
So what can we learn from this great saint? We should take to heart that we, too, are called to be salt and light — to witness to Christ through lives rooted in truth and compassion. Like Alphonsus, we can show others that God is not distant or angry but loving, merciful, and close to each of us. When we pray, receive the sacraments, and serve others, we become living signs of God’s grace and mercy.
May Saint Alphonsus inspire us to live with confidence in God’s mercy, to treasure His commandments, and to be a light that leads others home to Christ. Saint Alphonsus, pray for us.