ST PIO OF PIETRELCINA, P. (Memorial) White
Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, entered the novitiate of the Capuchin friars at age 15, and was ordained at age 22 in 1910. While praying before a cross, he received the stigmata, the first priest ever to be so blessed. He would hear confessions by the hour, reportedly able to read the consciences of those who held back. Padre Pio founded the House for the Relief of Suffering in 1956, a hospital that serves 60,000 a year. His canonization miracle involved the cure of Matteo Pio Colella, age 7, the son of a doctor who worked in the hospital founded by Padre Pio. The miracle was approved by the Congregation and Pope John Paul II canonized him 16, June, 2002.
First Reading: 1Tim 6:13-16; Psalm: 100. R. v. 2b; Gospel: Lk 8:4-15
FROM DISCIPLINE TO FRUITFULNESS
BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP
What are the obstacles that hinder the word of God from bearing fruit in us? It is important we pay attention to them because God is more concerned with the doers of his word and not the hearers. Jesus reminds us in the parable of the sower that there are several reasons why the word of God fails to take root in us. Satan, trials, worldly concerns and material pleasures are the obstacles we need to battle for God’s word to bear fruit in us. These obstacles are stubborn and insistent but we can overcome them through grace which God supplies.
It is the desire of Jesus that we hear his word and keep it. It is for this reason that he points out what we must watch out for in order for his word to bear abundant fruit in us. Nothing good comes easy. Trials and temptations will necessarily come our way when we chose the path of righteousness. But we must not easily succumb to them. We must continually fight them even when we fail in trying. For even plants takes time to sprout.
As we listen to the word of God daily, it is very important that we pay attention to the different obstacles in our life that hinders this word. It could be our personal beliefs, friends, lifestyle, attitudes, selfishness, hobbies or even the places we love to go. It could even be our relationships. Once we can identify the obstacles that draw us back; our problem is half solved. For a successful diagnosis is halfway close to the healing of an illness. From this point, we will need holy discipline that requires a conscious effort to resist these obstacles. This may not be easy, but God’s grace is always sufficient for those who sincerely make effort to do his will.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, may your grace always abide in us to overcome every obstacles to your word. Amen.
