Memorial of Saint
Pius of Pietrelcina, priest
(Ezra 6:7-8.12b.14-20;
Luke 8:19-21)
In today’s gospel
Jesus reshapes his family. He considers
as “brothers and sisters” all who hear the word of God and act on it. He does not exclude anyone -- much less his
mother and his brothers -- who listen to God’s word and live it. His mother will prove to be his faithful
disciple to the end. His “brothers” –
whatever this term means – men like James and Jude will also teach Jesus Christ
as Lord for the rest of their lives.
Today’s patron saint,
Pius of Petrelcina, certainly lived as Jesus’ brother. This twentieth century Capuchin priest was
gifted not only with the stigmata, the wounds of Christ crucified, but also a
remarkable insight into souls. Residing most
of his life in a southern Italian friary, “Padre Pio,” listened to the
confessions of scores of people every day.
His spiritual guidance brought many to a closer relationship with the
Lord.
We too are brothers
and sisters of the Lord. Moved serve
others by the word of God and especially the definitive word, who is Jesus
Christ, we become like him in spirit and truth.
