KNOWING CHRIST THROUGH ST. PADRE PIO - 9/23/22 (Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest)

Luke 9:18c-20

“Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092322.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina! There is a time for everything. God's plans for us are mysterious because everything that happens to us are for our good, particularly for our salvation and union with Him. With this in mind, it also means that there is a time for our death. There will be a time that we will face our Lord. So, do we take the time we have here on earth to know Him even more? The saint whom we are commemorating today is Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, and he is also known as "Padre Pio." The gospel reading today shows us the importance of knowing Jesus Christ, and by reflecting on the life of St. Padre Pio, we can deepen our knowledge of Him and relationship with Him. Let's ponder on at least three aspects in the life of St. Padre Pio. 

First, St. Padre Pio was known for the numerous miracles that God granted to him, both after his death and during his life. The body of St. Padre Pio is incorruptible which means it does not decay, and this is something that cannot be explained by natural laws. He also became an instrument of miraculous healing by God to many people which accompanied them in their conversion. Below this reflection, there is a website that provides a list of the miracles of St. Padre Pio. So, what is the purpose of miracles? Miracles give us hope. This was one of the reasons why Jesus performed many miracles during His ministry to bring hope to the people who were awaiting for the Messiah. At the same time, this is also the means that God uses to confirm the truth of the teachings of the Catholic Church. The miracles are not meant to entertain us like what we can see in magic shows. Rather, all miracles, including those related to St. Padre Pio, point us to God who desires for us to know Him and believe the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

Second, St. Padre Pio also experienced numerous sufferings in life. He bore the stigmata, which were the wounds of Christ physically in his body. Through this, he became a living symbol of Christ's sufferings out of love for us. He also received many mockeries and criticisms from others who were making false accusations on him. But, St. Padre Pio knew that he could know our Savior by imitating His sacrifice and by bearing his cross. We all have sufferings in life, and all that causes us pain actually helps us to conform our lives more to Jesus who suffered and died for our salvation. Sometimes, it's painful to hear the shouts and negative words of other people, including our own family members, towards us. There are also times that we feel hurt when we see the sins of people around us, when we see how the people neglect the right of the unborn children and how they may throw harsh words at us even though we only desire what's good for them. These are just some of the crosses that we have to bear by loving them even more. When we find it difficult to bear the sufferings, may we beg for strength from God and even imagine in our minds the sufferings of Christ on the Cross. Through this, we can persevere because of our love for Jesus and for our neighbors. 

Lastly, St. Padre Pio was a man of prayer. He knew the importance of prayer in our daily life which was one of the reasons why he said the famous quote, "Pray, hope and don't worry." In the gospel reading, Jesus also shows us His prayer during the time of solitude to remind us to speak to Him often because He will grant peace in our souls. Our Lord gave extraordinary gifts to St. Padre Pio, including the gift of prayer. St. Padre Pio was capable of praying 34-36 rosaries per day. We may not have the same gift as him, but it's an opportunity for us to be more humble and content with what we have. Let's be inspired to pray the rosary with devotion while imagining the life of Jesus in the mysteries in our mind. By thinking more often of Jesus, we can imitate Him and know Him more deeply. And, let's not forget that we can give God the greatest glory during the Mass. More people came to the place of St. Padre Pio, not just because of the miracles, but more often because of his reverence to Jesus who is truly present in the Eucharist. By receiving Jesus in the Holy Communion, we have the most intimate union we have with the Wisdom of God who dwells within us. If it's possible and if we have inspiration from God, we can also consider attending daily Mass or participating in an online Mass everyday. Let's ask help through the intercession of St. Padre Pio, and God will help us to know Him just like His humble priest. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Padre Pio: 

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/september-23---st-pio-of-pietrelcina-padre-pio-priest/

Miracles of St. Padre Pio:

https://www.goodcatholic.com/what-padre-pio-wants-you-to-know-about-his-miracles/

Amazing Testimony on Rosary:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FFyRwJBExMk

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/