By the mere fact that we honor him as a Saint, we know that Peter of Alcantara, who we commemorate today, treasured Christ above all things.
Peter of Alcantara was of noble birth, but gave up his earthly treasures, his earthly inheritance, to pursue Christ as a Franciscan of Strict Observance. Treasuring sanctity above earthly comfort, he lived out his vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to such an extent that his holiness was quite evident during his life.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.”
St. Peter certainly treasured prayer, as well. He is the patron saint of nocturnal eucharistic adoration, as he was known to keep prayer vigils throughout the night before the Blessed Sacrament, treasuring prayer even more than sleep. And yet, he discovered the secret to great joy, for, in prayer, he was frequently experienced prayerful ecstasy--he would be consumed with the warmth and light of the Holy Spirit. His heart was on heaven and this love would even cause him to levitate.
He also drew others up to heaven too. He was renowned for his preaching, setting hearts on fire with love for God. He brought reform to his own Franciscan order, and also to other religious orders as well. He corresponded with St. Theresa of Avila and encouraged her to work for reform among the Carmelites.
When he was close to death, when he was offered water he refused it saying, "Even my Lord Jesus Christ thirsted on the Cross." He valued imitation of Christ even over the quenching of thirst.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.”
What do I treasure? It is probably overly simplistic to say that you can tell what someone treasures by how they spend their time. Two people working the same job and the same number of hours might treasure two entirely different things: one might treasure the money he will earn because it will enable him to pursue earthly pleasures, and another can grow in real sanctity through his occupation because he treats it as a way for providing well for his family, the needs of the poor, and work of the Church.
Because the second treasured heaven over earth, he is able to store up treasure in heaven as he engages in earthly activity. Prayer, mortification and good works, help to keep our hearts set on heaven as we engage in earthly work--—earthly activity is even transformed into work for God.
May St. Peter of Alcantara help us to treasure Christ above all things, and help us to work for what truly lasts, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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