Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (23rd September, 2016) on the Gospel and
the Memorial
Eccl 3:1-11;
Ps 143:1-4. (R. v.1);Lk 9:18-22.
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: Knowing Jesus.
In today’s gospel Jesus asked His disciples while praying,
“Who do the crowds say that I am?” They thought He was John the Baptist,
Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets. He asked further, “But who do you say
that I am?” Peter replied, “The Messiah of God.” He also foretold His death and
resurrection.
The timing of these questions (when Jesus was praying), says
a lot about their necessity. Jesus came that we may have life in abundance, cf.
Jn 10:10. However, believing that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God is the key, cf. Jn 20:31. The letter to the Hebrews reads, “...without faith it is
impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that
he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6).
In the life of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, one sees a person
who truly believed in God. Despite the very hard condition in their family, he
never wavered. He popularly advised people in these words, “Pray, hope and
don't worry.”
Believing in God only needs our cooperation; “No one can come
to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (Jn 6:44). We ought to beseech God earnestly through the
intersession of Saint Pio to draw us to Himself.
Bible Reading: Heb 11:4-7.
Thought for today: Who is Jesus?
Let us pray: God, draw us to yourself that we may
believe in you – Amen.
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina – Pray for
us.
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