Day 8

As for hope, there were countless events in Saint Pio’s life that would have left anyone without hope. His physical sufferings were one thing, but he was also persecuted by his own brethren in the monastery, probed by scientists, and called a fraud. He was not permitted to preach at Mass and essentially lived under house arrest for years. But amid this, he joyfully carried out his duties with hope in God’s care.

The fruit of a hopeful attitude is, therefore, not to worry. When we have hope in the power of God and in the presence of Jesus, we can surrender our fears, anxieties, and concerns and live without the nagging worries that drag us down. Saint Pio’s ministry did not end with amazing miracles. His care for the sick moved him to build a hospital and his care for the faithful put in him the confessional for many hours every day. He is a great model who shows us how hope, prayer, and action can work together for the glory of God. Saint Pio, pray for us!

Reflection Questions

• How can you hope, pray, and not worry as much today?
• How do you balance hope, prayer, and action in your life?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Proverbs 30:5-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163
Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Reflection by Bill B.

(1887-1968) — Born as Francesco Forgione to a southern Italian farming family, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans at 15 and was ordained at 22. Saint Pio is one of the most well-known saints today. He had extraordinary mystical gifts of the stigmata, reading of consciences, bilocation, miraculous healing, interpretation of languages, physical fights with the demonic, and much more.

“Prayer and charity, this is the most concrete synthesis of Padre Pio’s teaching” (Pope Saint John Paul II, canonization homily, June 16, 2002). His life was a model for blending Steps 11 and 12. Prayer and charity. Can you authentically have one without the other as a Catholic?

“Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life and without You I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light and without You I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will” (Prayer of Saint Padre Pio after Communion).

Reflection by Brad Farmer