Thursday, 23 September 2021

Memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, P.

 

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, P., (23rd September, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 

Hag 1:1-8;

Ps 149:1-6.9. (R.v.4);

Lk 9:7-9.


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: Hurt not.

When Herod heard about Jesus, he was perplexed because some said that John had been raised from the dead. Herod wondered because he beheaded John.

The book of Proverbs reads, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov 15:3). And He will repay everyone according to their deeds, cf. Matt 16:27; Rev 22:12.

Herod’s worry confirmed God’s words, “There is no peace...for the wicked” (Is 48:22; cf. Is 57:21; Gen 50:15). God threatened to send curses, confusion, and frustration upon the wicked, and in all they undertake until they are destroyed and perish on account of the evil they do, cf. Deut 28:20.

We must wash ourselves; make ourselves clean; remove the evil of our doings and cease to do evil, cf. Is 1:16. Our life is like a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes, cf. Jas 4:14. The book of Proverbs rightly warns, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov 27:1). We conclude with these words: Hurt not today that you may have peace tomorrow.

Bible Reading: Jas 4:13-17.

Thought for today: Prepare a peaceful tomorrow.

Let us pray: God, give us a heart of flesh to love you and our neighbours – Amen.

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina – Pray for us.

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