Readings: Ezra 6:7-8,12,14-20, Ps. 122:1-5, Luke 8:19-21
“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21)
In yesterday’s Gospel passage, Jesus reminds us that we are the light of the world. As Christians, we ought to be beacons of good conduct, self-discipline and high moral standards. When Jesus took our flesh, He lived as light to the world, a light that has continued to shine today. By addressing ourselves as Christians, we pledge to continue shining Christ’s light, that is, to make Christ present in the world today.
In today’s Gospel passage, when Jesus was informed that his mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to see Him, He must have wondered: Is there anything more important than preaching God’s word? This reminds us of what happened years before when Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple after some days of searching. Mary asked him, “Don’t you care that your father and I have been looking for you?” Jesus’ response was simple: “Am I not supposed to be in my Father’s house?”
In other words, for Jesus, the temple (not Joseph’s house) is His Father’s House. Jesus was just twelve years old when this happened. Even though Jesus went with Joseph and Mary and obeyed them, Jesus knew that His true family was not restricted to His biological ties. Today, when He was told that His mother and brothers were waiting to see him, Jesus said: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Jesus used this occasion to pass on some crucial messages:
1. Anyone who hears God’s Word and puts it into practice is a family member of Jesus. Regardless of your church, race, colour or nationality, you are family as long as you listen to and obey God’s voice.
2. Just as we cherish and respect our family members, God cherishes and respects those who hear and practice His Word. Jesus often expressed his disappointment with those who flocked around him merely for the sake of miracles and were not ready to repent or practice His teachings.
3. Since those who came to call Jesus were expecting Him to leave what He was doing to attend to his family, Jesus used the occasion to teach that this is precisely how God would leave whatever He was doing to attend to the needs of those who hear His Word and practice it.
4. It is not enough to hear the Word of God; we must also practice it. Many of us only remember God when we need His favours, but we toss His commandments aside daily. Instead of living as lights, we blend with the world’s darkness. Instead of behaving as family members of Jesus, we act as strangers, like the nameless and faceless crowd that flocked around Jesus.
St. Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione on 25 May 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy, was a priest celebrated for his profound spirituality and the mysterious stigmata—the Christ-like wounds he bore. From a young age, he was deeply religious, a path encouraged by his devoted family. Despite facing poor health and limited education due to his family’s financial struggles, Francesco was determined to become a friar.
At fifteen, he entered the Capuchin friars, adopting the name ‘Pio.’ He was ordained in 1910 but frequently battled illness. During World War I, Padre Pio briefly served in a medical capacity but was soon discharged because of his health issues. In 1918, while hearing confessions, he began experiencing the stigmata, which miraculously remained uninfected and emitted a sweet scent of roses.
As stories of Padre Pio’s stigmata spread, he attracted both followers and sceptics. Initially, the Vatican limited his public interactions, but eventually, it recognised and supported his ministry. Notably, Padre Pio met the future Pope John Paul II, correctly predicting his rise to the papacy. He used his growing influence to establish a hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo in 1956.
Throughout his life, Padre Pio endured numerous ailments yet remained steadfast in his pastoral duties, offering counsel with his motto, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” He passed away on 23 September 1968 and was canonised by Pope John Paul II on 16 June 2002. Celebrated each year on 23 September, Padre Pio’s legacy as a symbol of unwavering faith endures. He is honoured as the patron saint of civil defence volunteers, adolescents, and his hometown of Pietrelcina.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to live up to your expectations as brothers and sisters of Jesus. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Ezra 6:7-8,12,14-20, Ps. 122:1-5, Luke 8:19-21)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu