Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
As a hospital chaplain, I am often called to some of the sickest in our hospital. When someone is suffering an illness or disease, their loved ones suffer alongside of them. And this is true discipleship, if we are attuned to the feelings and needs of others, we have empathy and compassion that calls us to want to help shoulder the cross that others carry. Thus when we understand the suffering of others, we are given the gift to share their suffering.
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 sctity.” 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. Thus not only did Pio share in the gift of Christ’s suffering, he shouldered the cross of many in the body of Christ by hearing their confessions for ten 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 cannot even face up to God. Ezra’s guilt seems generational in nature because he understands of the failures of the Israelites. This understanding has Ezra shouldering everyone's suffering. Yet in the midst of all the suffering, Ezra recognizes God's mercy. In the remnant that remains in Judah and Jerusalem, Ezra sees and trusts that God has not abandoned God’s 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 in His power.
The gospel drives this 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.” 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 and walk more humbly. In so many ways, our suffering teaches us humility and opens our ability to empathize with others. Through humbly understanding our suffering as redemptive, then we can extend the mercy of Christ towards others and help them shoulder their cross.
"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