Reflection for September 23, 2009 – “Radical Trust”

Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time - St. Padre Pio da Pietrelcina

Today's Mass Readings

Today we remember Padre Pio.  His life was a witness to the power of suffering.  At Pio’s canonization celebration John Paul the second remarked that suffering, if accepted with love, can lead to a “privileged path of sanctity.”  St. Pio had been blessed with the wounds of Christ on the Cross.  The “stigmata” humbled Pio, who became even more a servant of the people after that gift from God.  He often heard confessions for 10 hours a day.

 

In the first reading, Ezra is in the middle of his own confession with God.  Ezra’s shame and self loathing makes him feel like he can not even face up to God.  His guilt almost seems generational in nature.  Yet in the midst of all the suffering, Ezra recognizes Gods mercy.   In the remnant that remains in Judah and Jerusalem, Ezra sees and trusts that God has not abandoned his people.  God has given his people new life to raise the temple from the ruins.

 

 

The psalm from Tobit echoes Ezra’s feelings that even though God allows tough times, he is merciful and worthy of praise.  This responsorial reminds us that even in exile one needs to trust God and witness to their faith.  Thus, we are challenged to look beyond our own suffering.  God can use even the toughest of experiences for God’s glory if we are willing to trust His power.

 

The gospel drives this very point home.  Jesus gave the disciples and us the power over demons and the ability to heal the sick.  We are sent to proclaim the Kingdom and are challenged to do so with a radical trust in God.  “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” (Lk 9:3)  Jesus’ demand for radical trust seems counter-intuitive to the culture in which we live.  Instant gratification often takes precedence over following our heart for ministry.

 

Let us reflect on the ways we might live more simply.  Sometimes the baggage we carry can exile us from own faith.  Jesus is challenging us to “shake the dust” from our self-loathing and selfish desires so that our hearts will testify only to Him.

 

Heavenly Father we offer this day to you.  Lord, create in us clean hearts that desire only to serve You.  Help us to live like Padre Pio, with lives wholly devoted to You. Amen.”

 

 - Michael Montgomery