SEPTEMBER 23 SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA, PRIEST

SEPTEMBER 23 SAINT PIO OF PIETRELCINA, PRIEST

MEMORIAL

While this memorial is now on the calendar as a feast day, no article has been designated in the Lectionary.  The readings below are suggested by the USCCB (#740, 5 and 742,6) from the Common of Holy Men and Women.

From the Common of Holy Men and Women or

Biographical Information about St. Pio of Pietrelcina[1]

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING

Galatians 2:19-20

Brothers and sisters:

Through the law I died to the law,

that 1 might live for God.

I have been crucified with Christ;

yet 1 live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me;

insofar as I now live in the flesh,

I live by faith in the Son of God

who has loved me and given himself up for me.

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Commentary on Gal 2:19-20

In this selection of St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, the Apostle contrasts actions that are in accord with the precepts of Mosaic Law against the interior life of faith that justifies us before God in Christ.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

From the Ordinary

GOSPEL

Matthew 16:24-27

Jesus said to his disciples,

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,

take up his cross, and follow me.

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,

but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world

and forfeit his life?

Or what can one give in exchange for his life?

For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory,

and then he will repay each one according to his conduct."

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Commentary on Mt 16:24-27

This is the second time within the Gospel of St. Matthew the Lord instructs the disciples that if they wish to follow him, they must take up the cross (the first time is in Matthew 10:38). This passage focuses the followers of Christ on the idea that serving the Lord must come before any other purposes in life since it is through following Jesus that eternal life is gained. The final verse infers that the reward to the faithful is variable – that to some greater honor is given.

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Reflection:

No reflection has been written.  The following is taken from Universalis:

He was born in the small village of Pietrelcina in southern Italy, and joined the Capuchin friars at the age of 16. He became a priest seven years later, and spent fifty years at the monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he was very much sought after as a spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor. Many miracles were popularly ascribed to him during his lifetime. He died a few days after the fiftieth anniversary of his receiving the stigmata, and over 100,000 people attended his funeral.

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[1] The picture is “Padre Pio” Photographer and Date are Unknown

[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.