Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
I have been reading a book entitled “Forming Intentional Disciples” by Sherry Weddell. I have found it to be very enlightening. One topic she discusses is charisms. A charism is “a gift of grace” or as the author states, “Charisms are supernaturally empowered ways in which God’s mercy, love, healing, truth, beauty, and provision will reach others through us.” She goes on to say that “a charism is a “favor” given to a member of the body of Christ to empower him or her to build up the Church and to witness Christ to the world.” These charisms are given to us to be used in the service of others, not to better ourselves. These gifts may include evangelism, encouragement, teaching, wisdom, healing, intercessory prayer, hospitality, leadership, mercy and giving to name only a few. I think that today’s readings remind us that as disciples we are called to use our gifts (our charisms) to help build the church (Body of Christ.) Today’s scripture also reminds us that we must remain grounded in Christ, since it is His grace that provides us with the gifts that we have. When we use our gifts, we allow Christ to work in us and through us, so it is His light that shines on the world around us.
In the first reading the king of Persia, King Cyrus, is allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple following their exile in Babylon. I can only imagine how hopeful and excited the Israelites were as they gathered to head home. The scripture says, the “family heads of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites- everyone… prepared to go up to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:5) Not only were the people excited to return home, but they willingly offered their gifts to help build the temple. Everyone “gave them help in every way, with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, and with many precious gifts besides all their free-will offerings.” (Ezra 1:6) All of the people wanted to in some way be a part of the building of the temple. They gave their gifts and treasures because they realized the importance of the temple as the center of their faith. As disciples, we are also called to give the gifts that we can give to build up the Body of Christ. If we recognize the importance of building the church, then our giving should be done with generosity and hope just as the people gave of their gifts to build the temple long ago.
In the gospel story Jesus reminds us that the gifts that He gives us are to be used to provide light to the world. “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or set it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light,” (Luke 8: 16) When we use the gifts or charisms that we have been given, we allow God’s grace to shine in us. It is important to remember that if we are disciples of Christ and He is at the center, then the light we provide is really Christ’s light within us. It is His grace that is visible in our words and actions. Jesus reminds us that we cannot or should not hide this light (His love and grace) from the world.
Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio). Padre Pio was a Capuchin priest who lived from 1887-1968. Padre Pio was a holy man who shared his charisms of mercy and healing by spending long days- sometimes 10-12 hours long- hearing confessions and bringing people closer to God. When I reflect on the life of this saint, I am reminded of the importance of God’s mercy and forgiveness in my life as a disciple. Without the grace and forgiveness that I receive in the sacrament of Reconciliation, it is difficult for me to remain centered on Christ. When I return to Him asking for His healing, He helps me recognize that the gifts that He provides are given in love and are given to me so that I may share them with others. It is up to me to be open to His gifts, to recognize that they are from Him, and to boldly share these gifts to build up the Body. I think that this is why I need to keep returning for Confession, since I need to hear it over and over again that I am forgiven as well as the fact that His grace will provide all that I need. At some point, I think we all are working towards being so open to God’s grace that His gifts and charisms flow through us in such a way, that when people see us they will know that we are disciples of Jesus and He is alive within us.
"Heavenly Father, in your great love for us you give us many gifts. Most importantly, you give us the gift of your Son Jesus. Through His love and mercy, help us to always recognize that all we have is from You, and all of these blessings have been given to us so we can share them with others. Send your Spirit upon us and fill us with your grace so that your light may shine within us and we may bring you glory. We pray this through Christ our LORD. AMEN"
- Marylynn Herchline