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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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