July 9, 2026
— Wikipedia · Source: Wikipedia, "Gabriele Allegra"
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we dwell in the body we are separated from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by our eyes. Our confidence comes from our desire to leave the body and dwell with the Lord.
Gravely ill in his last years, Father Allegra still chose to return to Hong Kong and give his remaining strength to translating the Bible until he rested in the Lord, a serenity stemming from his unconditional longing for God. In contrast, we often suffer anxiety due to physical weakness or worldly gains and losses. Paul reminds us that living in the flesh is to distance ourselves from the Lord, while leaving the flesh is to dwell with Him. The ultimate bliss of faith is not earthly freedom from sickness and calamity, but the day we can rest peacefully in the Father's embrace. Today, let us set aside our attachment to the long journey of worldly life and turn our gaze to the door leading to eternity and true life, living out the hope of returning home during our sojourn.
Loving Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the peace of facing death through the life of Blessed Gabriele Allegra. Lord, we are often troubled by physical pain and the turmoil of the world; grant us the faith of Paul, who "wanted to dwell with the Lord." When we feel weary on our earthly journey, our health deteriorates, or we encounter setbacks, we ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the dwelling place You have prepared for us in Heaven. Guide us to the end of our earthly journey, so that our lives may also become vessels that spread Your Word, and ultimately, like children, joyfully embrace You. Amen.