Pharisees prioritize meticulous observance of rules, rituals, and outward displays of piety, frequently at the expense of inner transformation and compassion. Their focus is on the letter of the law, not its spirit.
In contrast, a genuine disciple is animated by a deeper, more authentic calling. Their authority arises from a life transparently aligned with the core values of their faith—love, humility, truth, justice, and mercy.
Transformation of Heart
Such disciples are servants first. Their concern is not with the mere performance of ritual, but with the transformation of the heart: their own and that of their community. Their words are matched by actions, and their influence is rooted in example rather than performance for applause. When such disciples speak, it is with compassion; when they act and correct, it is with love and a desire for the good of the other.
A Model of Discipleship
Allow me to give a real-life example of such a disciple. His name is Pier Giorgio Frassati. On September the 7th, 2025 Pope Leo the 14th will preside at his canonization in Saint Peter’s Square in Rome. Born in 1901, he was the son of an atheist father, publisher of La Stampa in Turin, Italy, a senator and ambassador to Germany. His mother was a painter and not particularly religious. An unpromising beginning for a future saint. Still, at an early age he was devoted to Our Lord Jesus Christ. His relationship with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was at the center of his life. As a young man, he used to get the key to the neighboring church and spend the whole night before the Blessed Sacrament in prayer.
Living A Virtuous Life
At the same time, he was a charismatic and appealing student leader at the university. His peers called him “An explosion of joy.” He loved to celebrate with friends and was the ringleader organizing parties, outings, and social activities for Catholic Action. Unknown to most of his friends, he would spend his allowance from his wealthy parents on the poor of Turin. He would visit them, spend time with their families. He provided food for the hungry, when necessary, bought clothing and shoes for the children. All done with discretion and often anonymously.
In Catholic Action at the university, he learned and put into action the social teachings of the Church from Pope Leo XIII. Pier Giorgio loved mountain climbing and on one picture of him clinging to the side of a Cliff he wrote the words “Verso al Alto,” Reaching for the heights, physically and spiritually. This appealing young man, through his dedication to the poor, to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, to social action for the good of society was always reaching for the heights.
A Fitting Farewell
At the age of 24, he contracted polio from his beloved poor and within five days the disease took his life. At the funeral Mass his parents, his family and friends were all overwhelmed at the large number of poor people who eagerly swamped the church to say farewell to their good friend Pier Giorgio Frassati, a true disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. On September 7th we will be able to call him Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, a genuine disciple of the Lord, a model for young people of every age.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
