Our Priorities in Following Christ

Today’s Gospel is from Saint Matthew 10:34-42.

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Do not think that I have come to send peace upon the earth; I have come to bring a sword, not peace. For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s enemies shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it. He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you he shall not lose his reward.

In today’s Gospel reading, there are passages that have been challenging or perplexing for some people. In these verses, our Lord tells us that He has not come to bring peace to the earth but a sword, and that His presence will lead to division even within families. These words may leave some wondering how they fit with the message of love, peace, and unity that we often associate with Jesus’ teachings. Let’s not forget that Jesus is not advocating violence or discord within families or communities. Christ is emphasizing the impact that following Him can have on our lives and in our relationships. When we choose to follow Jesus, we are making a commitment that will certainly set us at odds with those who do not share the same faith. This is not because Jesus desires conflict but because the truth of the Gospel always challenges the world’s so-called values and lack of morals.
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Saint Pius of Pietrelcina

Today I would like to take a brief moment to share with you the life and legacy of a remarkable saint, Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, commonly known as Padre Pio. His life was a testament to the boundless mercy and love of our God, and his example continues to inspire us today. He was born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, in the small Italian town of Pietrelcina. From a young age, he exhibited a deep devotion to God and a wholehearted desire to serve Him. At the age of 15, he entered the Capuchin Friars and took the name Pio. Little did anyone know that this humble friar would one day become one of the most beloved and revered saints of the 20th century.

One of the most striking aspects of Padre Pio’s life was his close and mystical relationship with our Lord, which was exemplified by the stigmata—the wounds of Christ—that he bore on his hands, feet, and side. For over 50 years, he carried these wounds, sharing in the physical sufferings of Christ. It was not only the physical wounds that made Padre Pio a true follower of Christ; it was his unwavering faith, his deep prayer life, and his commitment to the Sacraments that set him apart. Padre Pio once said, “Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips but with your heart. In fact, on certain occasions, you should only speak to Him with your heart.” He lived this truth daily, spending long hours in prayer and offering himself as a living sacrifice to God. His life was a constant reminder to us that prayer is our lifeline to the divine, a means of drawing closer to God and seeking His will in our lives.
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St. Joseph of Cupertino

Introit. Ecclesiasticus 1:14-15
The love of God is honorable wisdom: and they to whom she shall show herself, love her by the sight, and by the knowledge of her great works. (Ps. 83: 2) How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The love of God is honorable wisdom: and they to whom she shall show herself, love her by the sight, and by the knowledge of her great works.

Collect.
O God,Who didst purpose to draw all things unto Thy only-begotten Son when He was lifted up from the earth, mercifully grant that we, by the merits and example of Thy seraphic confessor Joseph, being lifted above all earthly desires, may be worthy to come unto Him. Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
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On the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis

The Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis is a sacred observance that should recall to our minds the heartfelt love and devotion of one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church. St. Francis of Assisi, a humble and gentle man, received a remarkable gift from God—the stigmata, the wounds of Christ on his own body. This gift was both a sign of his holiness as well as a memorable reminder of the central message of the Gospel.

The stigmata, those sacred wounds that appeared on St. Francis’ hands, feet, and side, were not a reward for his piety or his deeds. Instead, they were a visible and tangible connection between him and the suffering of Christ. St. Francis had so deeply imitated Christ in his life, in his love for the poor, and in his total surrender to God’s will, that he was allowed to share in the Lord’s Passion in a deeply memorable and mystical way.
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Impression of Stigmata of St. Francis

Introit. Psalms 85:3,5
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to Thee all the day; for Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild, and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee. (Ps. 85: 1) Bow down Thine ear to me, O Lord, and hear me for I am needy and poor. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to Thee all the day; for Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild, and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee.

Collect
May Thy grace, we beseech Thee, O Lord, ever go before us and follow us: and make us continually to be intent upon good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
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Blessed be the Name of the Lord

Giving thanks to God on a daily basis, is a fundamental aspect of our faith, one that transcends divisions and unites us as brothers and sisters in acknowledging the abundant blessings that our Heavenly Father bestows upon us.

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to forget the simple act of gratitude. We are often consumed by our desires, ambitions, and challenges, which can obscure the countless gifts that our Lord continually showers upon us. Yet, when we pause and truly open our hearts, we begin to see God’s grace in every aspect of our existence.

The Scriptures remind us of the importance of thanksgiving time and time again. In the Psalms, we read, “Give glory to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 106:1). This verse encapsulates the essence of gratitude. Our gratitude should be a genuine acknowledgement of God’s eternal and boundless love for us. It is a recognition that God’s goodness is unwavering, even with the reality that each of us are imperfect.
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Listening to God’s Voice – Psalm 94

“To day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Psalm 94:8, Douay-Rheims) These words, penned by the psalmist David, are a reminder of the importance of openness and receptivity to the Word of God in our lives. In the busyness of our daily lives, it is all too easy for our hearts to become hardened, closed off to the gentle whispers of God’s voice. We are bombarded by the noise of the world, the demands of our schedules, and the distractions that surround us. In the midst of all this, God is continually reaching out to us, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. But are we really listening? Are our hearts open to receive His message?

Hearing God’s voice should be of the disposition of our hearts. It is about being attuned to the very presence of God in our lives, recognising His guidance and love, and responding with a heart that is soft and pliable, ready to follow His will.
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Psalm 63

Psalm 63 (62 in the Latin) is attributed to King David and is a heartfelt expression of his deep longing for God’s presence and his trust in God’s protection and provision. This psalm is classified as a “psalm of lament” or a “psalm of longing.”

The psalm begins with David expressing his intense thirst and longing for God. He compares this longing to a physical thirst in a dry and weary land where water is scarce. This imagery conveys his spiritual yearning for communion with God. David speaks of his experience of encountering God in the sanctuary and beholding His power and glory. This encounter brings him a sense of spiritual satisfaction and contentment that surpasses any earthly pleasures.

Amidst challenging circumstances, David expresses his trust in God’s protective care. He acknowledges that God has been his help and refuge, even in difficult times. This trust enables him to find rest and peace in God’s presence. David’s response to God’s goodness is praise. He lifts up his hands and offers blessing to God. This part of the psalm helps us to see the importance of gratitude and recognizing God’s faithfulness.
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Faithful Living and Obedience

“Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence. But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Psalm 1 holds a special place within Catholic thought as a beautiful and wise expression of guidance for leading a blessed life. The psalmist David urges believers to shun the advice of the wicked and instead find joy in God’s teachings. Through continuous contemplation of God’s word, we can thrive spiritually, akin to a well-rooted tree bearing abundant fruit. In Catholic belief, adhering to God’s teachings is pivotal for a fulfilling life. Observing the Lord’s commandments and living righteously leads to genuine happiness and inner tranquillity.
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