Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, P., (23rd September, 2019) on the
Gospel and the Memorial
Ezra 1:1-6;
Ps 125. (R. v.3);
Lk 8:16-18.
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina also known as Saint Padre Pio
was born in Pietrelcina, Italy on 25th May, 1887 as Francesco
Forgione. His parents were both very religious and also very poor. As a result
of this, he took up a job which affected his studies negatively. He took the
name Pius (Pio) when he joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Saint Pio was
ordained in 1910 and was allowed to remain at home because of his poor health. He
received the gift of stigmata on September 20, 1916 while hearing confessions.
Saint Pio was known for his piety, charity and the quality of his preaching. He
prophesied in 1947 that Fr. Karol Wojtyla who visited him would become a pope
which fulfilled in 1978. He died in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy on 23rd
September, 1968. Pope Saint John Paul II beatified him in 1999 and also canonized
him on 16th June, 2002. He is the patron saint of civil defence
volunteers, adolescents, and the village of Pietrelcina.[1]
Topic: Your stuff.
Jesus said in today’s gospel, “No one after lighting a lamp
hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so
that those who enter may see the light.” He also cautions, “...to those who
have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem
to have will be taken away.” These words call for sober reflection on who we
are.
Often we consider ourselves terribly helpless before both
real and imaginary forces. We tend to forget that God created all things, and
by His will we exist and are created, cf. Rev
4:11. God created us in His image and likeness, cf. Gen 1:26-27.5:1; Jas 3:9. And “everything created by God is good” (1Tim 4:4).
The stuff we are made of is by no means inferior and are made
by the Master Himself. Whatever we are is what God has made us to be and His
intention for us is to do good works, cf. Eph
2:10.
Before whatever that stands on our way, “...we are more than
conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom
8:37). We must remember always God’s response to Saint Paul, “My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor 12:9a). Never feel inferior
because you are not. Borrowing the words
of Saint Paul, we can do all things in Him who strengthens us, cf. Phil 4:13. To live fully so that others might
see the light that we are, we must wake up from our slumber. Not even poverty was able to hold Saint Pio
of Pietrelcina down.
Bible Readings: Eph 2:1-10.
Thought for today: You are of superior by superior to be superior.
Let us pray: May God assist us to live our lives
fully for His greater glory and for our happiness – Amen.
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina – Pray for
us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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