The saint we celebrate today is probably the most popular saint in modern history. Throughout his life he bore a double cross; painful wounds on his hands and side that bled for fifty years and the cross of being a living saint suffering from the pressure of people who flocked to see him.
In an era when educated people say we must see in order to believe; Padre Pio of Pietrelcina was God’s answer. He was living proof of the existence of God and credited with thousands of miracles.
The admiration and miracles, although dramatic, would not be why he was canonized as a saint. Instead it was his suffering and how he endured his suffering. When asked about his suffering and its purpose, he said it was an answer to his prayer so that sinners might believe in God.
In Luke’s gospel today we hear that God provides through others what the disciples needed for their ministry. This was true of Padre Pio. People provided him with the resources to build a hospital but a hospital where people were treated as other Christs. The gospel also said that if disciples were rejected by others, don’t argue, move on. Padre Pio suffered in silence continuing to believe the proverb that every word of God is tested, God is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
What does this ordinary mortal who only wanted to be a poor friar who prays, have to say to us today? This poor friar renewed the wonder of God’s mercy. His mantra throughout his life was take little and give much. Do this and we too will be living proof of the existence of God.
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Father Leo's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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