Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Pius X,
PP., (21st August, 2018)
on the Gospel and the Memorial
Ezek 28:1-10;
Deut 32:26-28.30.35-36. (R. v.39);
Matt 19:23-30.
Pope Saint Pius X (2nd June,
1835 – 20th August, 1914) was born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto at
Riese and became Pope in August 1903. His most important reform was to order
the codification of the first Code of Canon Law. He was particularly devoted to
the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pius X was the only pope in the 20th century
with extensive pastoral experience and implementation at the parish level,
which led him to favour the use of the vernacular language in teaching
catechesis, while the encouragement for frequent reception of Holy Communion
became a lasting innovation of his papacy. He vehemently opposed modernism,
which claimed that Roman Catholic dogma should be modernized and blended with
nineteenth-century philosophies. Pius X viewed modernism as an import of
secular errors affecting three areas of Roman Catholic belief namely, theology,
philosophy, and dogma. He combined within himself a strong sense of compassion,
benevolence and poverty, but also stubbornness and a certain stiffness. He was
the only pope in the 20th century who gave Sunday homilies in the
pulpit every week. He was canonized on 29 May 1954.[1]
Topic: Hazards of wealth.
It baffled the disciples to hear that it will be hard for the
rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus reassured them that nothing is
impossible for God, cf. Lk 1:37. In reply
to Peter’s question about what they would gain Jesus said,
Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son
of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also
sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who
has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or
fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit
eternal life.
Jesus’ words sounded as if it is sinful to be wealthy. However,
He had admonished us, “...store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matt 6:20). Saint James also writes, “Your
gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you and
will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days” (Jas 5:3).
Wealth is not a problem but one’s understanding of it. God gives
riches, cf. Prov 10:22. Hence Saint
Paul writes, “What have you that you did not receive? If then you received it,
why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” (1Cor 4:7). However, the richer one becomes, the more he/she is
expected to give, Lk 12:48. The life
of Saint Pius X is a very good example. His last will and testament is: “I was
born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor”[2].
Bible Reading: Ps 112:1-10; Jas 5:1-6; Matt 6:19-21.
Thought for today: My attitude towards wealth.
Let us pray: Lord, heal us of insatiable desire
for material things and help us to store up true wealth for the world to come –
Amen.
Saint Pius X – Pray for us.
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